WGCIT Resident NEW AGE LABS: A PARTNER IN PROGRESS By Emily Lyons, Program Manager
Since its inception in 1998, New Age Labs (NAL) has been a beacon of innovation and support for the agricultural community. With a focus on providing farmers with tangible returns on investment, NAL has become the premier North American laboratory for plant sap analysis, a testament to their commitment to enhancing the quality and yield of crops. Their mission, “to provide analytical data with insight, logic, and trust to elevate agricultural and food production,” is not just a statement but a guiding principle that informs every aspect of their operations. At the heart of NAL’s services is plant sap analysis (sap analysis), a sophisticated two- dimensional testing method that offers critical insights into available nutrient uptake and mobility without the use of heat or chemicals. This approach allows for a more accurate assessment of a plant’s health and nutritional status, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that can lead to improved crop performance. The Nitrogen Conversion Efficiency (NCE) score, a unique metric developed by NAL, further aids growers by quantifying nitrogen conversion efficiency, providing insight on how a plant takes up nitrogen and converts it into amino acids and proteins. The expertise of NAL is embodied by Jenny Garley, the Chief Science Officer, whose dual experience in field and laboratory settings makes her an invaluable asset to Western farmers. Her presence in California bridges the gap between the lab’s physical location in South Haven, Michigan, and the agricultural hotbeds of the West Coast. “Sap analysis provides insight on the uptake and mobility of available nutrients that are free and not incorporated into the leaf’s cellular structures,” Garley said. NAL’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by their recent qualification of an APHIS permit, allowing them to extend their services globally. This milestone has sparked international
Jenny Garley, Chief Science Officer
interest, showcasing NAL’s growing influence and reputation in the agricultural sector. To facilitate this expansion, NAL offers significant discounts on overnight shipping, ensuring that samples reach their Michigan lab swiftly for analysis. Understanding the urgency with which farmers require data, NAL has invested in upgraded state-of-the-art equipment that accelerates the sample processing time, promising results within 24 to 48 hours. This rapid turnaround is crucial for time-
sensitive agricultural decisions and reflects NAL’s dedication to supporting farmers’ needs promptly. Looking to the future, NAL continues to pioneer advancements in agricultural science. Their current project, measuring carbon in the sap analysis samples and creating a proprietary carbon database, is indicative of their forward-thinking approach. This endeavor not only positions NAL at the forefront of agricultural
32 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com November | December 2024
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