Three Montana agencies to hold grand opening of Wool Lab and Combined State Labs building at Montana State

BOZEMAN - Montana State University, the Montana Department of Livestock and the Montana Department of Agriculture will celebrate the grand opening of the new Combined State Laboratories building at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17.

Located at 1969 W. Garfield St., near the intersection of South 19th Avenue and Lincoln Street, the multi-use agricultural facility brings together the Montana Department of Livestock's Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the Montana Department of Agriculture's Analytical Lab and the MSU Wool Lab. This grand opening marks the completion of a long-planned facility designed to support Montana agricultural producers through research, education, outreach, testing and diagnostic services.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab supports veterinarians, livestock producers, wildlife managers and government agencies in identifying and monitoring animal diseases. The American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians-accredited laboratory also supports public health through testing for zoonotic diseases and by helping ensure the safety of animal products such as milk and eggs.

The Analytical Lab provides testing and analytical services that support Montana agriculture and environmental stewardship. The laboratory analyzes feed, fertilizer, pesticides, groundwater and other samples used by producers, researchers and regulatory programs across the state.

Established at MSU in 1947, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Wool Lab provides wool testing and research services for sheep producers throughout Montana and the region. The laboratory evaluates wool quality and sheep genetics to help producers improve flock performance, maximize wool value and remain competitive in the marketplace. The Wool Lab is collaboratively managed by MSU's Department of Animal and Range Sciences and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. The lab also serves as a key facility for training animal science students, and outreach to sheep producers.

The Combined State Laboratories building was made possible through appropriations approved by the Montana Legislature during its 2021 and 2023 sessions, as well as the Montana Board of Regents' approval of university land for the shared facility. The building replaces aging laboratory spaces, some of which were more than 70 years old. The MSU Wool Lab portion of the project also benefited from philanthropic support secured through the Montana State University Alumni Foundation's successful engagement with private donors.

MSU encourages producers, local media and community members to attend the grand opening. Following welcome remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the facility will be available. People who would like to attend should RSVP at https://www.msuaf.org/MT-State-Labs.