Robert Florence, Laboratory Director
I would first like to introduce myself. My name is Robert Florence and I am the new Director of the UW Soil & Plant Analysis Lab at Madison (SPAL) and Soil & Forage Analysis Lab at Marshfield (SFAL). I recently arrived at Marshfield after earning my Ph.D. from Kansas State University and working as the manager of K-State’s soil testing lab. I look forward to meeting all of you and listening to your comments about how the laboratory may continue to serve you.
You may be aware that SPAL and SFAL are consolidating operations at Marshfield. This change will allow us to maintain service to all of our clients. Consolidation will mean that samples will eventually have to be shipped or delivered to Marshfield. The Madison laboratory will continue processing samples for now, but analyses will be incrementally transitioned to Marshfield over time. We anticipate that nearly all tests only run at Madison will be offered at Marshfield with the exception of some little requested analyses and/or analyses for which we cannot recover costs. We are in the process of purchasing an instrument for Marshfield so that we can continue to offer plant and elemental analysis. Analyses currently offered at Marshfield will be unaffected by this consolidation. Before sending samples to Madison, please call Jodie (715-387-2523) to determine where your samples should be sent.
We want to make this change as easy as possible for you. We understand that you may have concerns about how to send samples to Marshfield and how you will interact with lab staff if you never see them in person. If at any time you have questions about how to fill out sample submission forms, where to send your sample, need assistance in selecting analysis, need to know how much sample is required, or have shipping questions, please feel welcome to call us (715-387-2523). Our website (www.uwlab.soils.wisc.edu) has sample submission forms and periodic updates on the status of the laboratory consolidation. When shipping samples be sure to send a completed sample submission form including your contact information. The lab staff will contact you if they have questions about your samples.
I am very much interested in learning about your analytical needs and how we can serve you better. Please feel free to call (715-387-2523 x 13) or email (rflorence@wisc.edu) me. I look forward to working with you.