Farm Rural Business Services

SAC's Analytical Services Department tests a range of agricultural and other materials for consultancy and research purposes.  This includes the testing of soils, plants, silages, animal feeds, organic manures, waters and soil amendments such as sewage sludge, paper mill wastes, composts and horticulture samples.  We also work in conjunction with SAC's Central Diagnostic Laboratory carrying out elemental and vitamin analysis on veterinary samples.

Modern instruments and techniques are adopted and the laboratory uses a computer based 'Laboratory Information Management System' (LIMS) for data storage and reporting.  Reporting of results can be by post, fax or email.  Clients can also determine the status of samples and obtain interim results via the internet using our LabPortal system.

Strict quality control procedures are observed and the laboratory takes part in a number of independent performance testing schemes, including LGC CONTEST and WEPAL (heavy metal soil analysis), VLAQA (veterinary samples) and EUROFINS (animal feed testing).  We are also members of the Forage Analysis Assurance Group.  The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025.