AgSource Laboratories staff and community partners gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking April 7 at the site of the company’s future new facility at Ellsworth in central Iowa. AgSource will remain in Ellsworth, but move to a larger, 15,000 square foot, fully integrated facility. The new facility will be up and running prior to August 2016 and will be located just off Interstate 35.

BREAKING GROUND: The AgSource soil testing laboratory is staying at Ellsworth in central Iowa. At that location, the company is building a new facility for its agriculture testing and environmental testing services.

“Since we are staying in Ellsworth, soil sample pick-up routes and drop-in deliveries of soil samples won’t be affected by this change to the new facility,” says Steve Frack, AgSource vice president of lab operations. “We can’t say enough about how much we look forward to serving clients from this new building. The City of Ellsworth and the Ellsworth Development Group have been great to work with on this project.”

Leader in ag and environmental testing services
“Jim Elliott and Jensen Builders have already begun laying the groundwork. We are excited to get this process started,” says Pat Baier, chief operating officer for AgSource. “We have enjoyed being a part of the Ellsworth community and this building project fully demonstrates our desire to grow with the ag community in the surrounding area. Having the previous landowner, Patty Yungclas, in attendance at the groundbreaking was a special treat. Patty represents the strong agricultural history of the area and this facility marks the strong future.”

At the ceremony, participants included Pat Baier, AgSource; Danny Anderson, Ellsworth city superintendent; Jim Friedericks, AgSource outreach & education adviser; Jim Elliott, Jensen Builders; Steve Holt, Ellsworth Development Group; Kevin Klink, AgSource; Steve Frack, AgSource; Randy Law, AgSource; Katie Lindaman, AgSource; Brittany Dickey, Corn Belt Power Cooperative; Dan Olson, Midland Power Cooperative; Marvin Norem, Ellsworth Development Group President; Patty Yungclas, previous landowner; and Sarah Thompson, Hamilton County Economic Development.

New lab manager named for Ellsworth testing facility
AgSource also announced that Katie Lindaman has accepted the job of site manager for company’s Ellsworth facility. Lindaman has over a decade of experience working in the Ellsworth soil and water laboratories, and has held several positions. Since July 2013 she has been production manager. 

“Katie will focus on improving laboratory processes to better serve our clients’ needs,” says Frack. “She will coordinate the staff and prepare for the lab to move into our new facility this fall.” In her new position, Lindaman will devote her time to improving lab efficiency and performance, standardizing sample testing procedures and training lab technicians. She’ll also oversee the lab’s information management system and facilitate its application to deliver rapid test results. 

AgSource is a leader in ag and environmental lab testing and information management services. From six locations, AgSource Laboratories provides trusted analysis and measureable results to clients in the U.S. and across the globe. Learn more at AgSource.com/laboratories.