About Us

Welcome to Holmes Laboratory, Inc.


 We are an independent analytical laboratory that tests water, soil, forages, feedstuffs, plant tissue,  compost, mycotoxins, manure, etc.                                                                                                                                                 
Founder Jr. Swartzentruber, in his early years, was a successful dairy and beef farmerJr. saw the need to help other farmers with theifarming needs. He decided to sell his farming operation and start a livestock and soil nutrition business. His nutrition business required extensive forage, feedstuffs and soil testing. He was not satisfied with the laboratory testing that was available to him at that time and decided to start an agriculture lab in the heart of Amish country in eastern Holmes County which is located in Northeast Ohio.

 Jr. hired a young man whose name is Gary Horrisberger.  Gary was born and raised here in the local area. He had just graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in agriculture.  Jr., along with Gary, found that wet chemistry testing was by far the most accurate way to test.  On July 1, 1978 he opened Holmes Laboratory, Inc. for business.                                                                                                                                                        

Today, Holmes Laboratory, Inc., is still family owned and operated by 2nd and 3rd generation Swartzentruber’s.  Although testing options have been added throughout the years, we still use the wet chemistry testing procedures that gives the most accurate comprehensive test results available anywhere.        

Our friendly, courteous and knowledgeable staff are always ready to help you … and we welcome all calls if you have any questions!
 

Our Lab is Open for Walk-in Business:  Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm; Closed Saturday and Sunday                                  
We now have an on-line ordering platform “where we are always open”  Click Here