Bozeman, Montana – Montana officials gathered in Bozeman to celebrate the opening of the new Combined State Laboratories building, a major project designed to improve services for the state’s agricultural community. Governor Greg Gianforte joined leaders from the Montana Department of Agriculture, the Montana Department of Livestock, and Montana State University (MSU) for the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the long-awaited facility.
During the event, Gov. Gianforte highlighted the importance of agriculture to Montana and said the new building will provide stronger support for the people who help drive the state’s largest industry.
“In Montana, Agriculture is more than just our number one industry, it’s a part of our way of life. Across the state, our producers are innovating, utilizing new technologies, and pioneering best practices as an example for the world,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It was time our facilities that support them stepped up to the plate. This project has been years in the making, and it’s exciting to see it become a reality to strengthen our ability to support Montana’s farmers and ranchers.”
New facility combines key agricultural laboratories
The new building brings together three important laboratories under one roof. These include the Montana Department of Livestock’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab, and the Montana State University Wool Lab.
State officials said combining these services into one modern facility will improve cooperation, expand testing capabilities, and provide better resources for agricultural producers across Montana. The project has been planned for years and is intended to support research, education, outreach, laboratory testing, and diagnostic work that benefits farmers, ranchers, researchers, and communities throughout the state.
The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab plays a key role in helping veterinarians, livestock owners, wildlife managers, and government agencies detect and monitor animal diseases. Accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, the laboratory also helps protect public health by testing for diseases that can spread from animals to people. In addition, it contributes to food safety by helping ensure products such as milk and eggs meet health standards.
The Analytical Lab provides testing services for a wide range of agricultural materials. It analyzes feed, fertilizer, pesticides, groundwater, and other samples used by producers, researchers, and state regulatory programs. These services help support farming operations while providing important scientific information for decision-making.
Meanwhile, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Wool Lab focuses on serving sheep producers across Montana and neighboring states. The laboratory evaluates wool quality and studies sheep genetics, giving producers information that can improve flock performance, increase the value of their wool, and help them stay competitive in the marketplace.
The new Combined State Laboratories building replaces aging facilities that relied on equipment more than 70 years old. Officials said the investment will allow for greater efficiency, expanded testing capacity, and access to modern technology that better meets today’s agricultural needs.
With the opening of the facility, Montana leaders say farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, researchers, and agricultural businesses will benefit from stronger scientific support and improved laboratory services for years to come.
