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Ray and Jolene Ward founded Ward laboratories all the way back in 1983, initially operating out of a three-bay garage here in Kearney, Nebraska.
Our team of highly qualified scientists, agronomists, livestock experts and other agriculture professionals have spent nearly four decades analyzing millions of samples and steadily earning a reputation for excellence with our domestic and international clients. Along the way, we gradually expanded our operations to meet the needs of our growing customer base.
We outgrew that three-bay garage a long time ago, but everything we do is still inspired by Ray and Jolene’s foundational principle – to provide quality analytical results so customers can make informed decisions about their operations.
To provide accurate and diverse laboratory analysis swiftly and affordably through commitment to advancement and client relationships.
To be the most trusted and proven laboratory resource to guide food producers around the world.
Dr. Ward (Ray) founded Ward Laboratories in 1983. Ray received B.S. and M.S. Soil Science degrees from University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1959 and 1961 and a Plant Science Ph.D degree from South Dakota State University in 1972.
Dr. Nick Ward received his B.S. and M.S. in Agronomy from Kansas State University in 2007 and 2010 and Agronomy Ph.D degree from University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2015.
Dr. Patrick Freeze received his Ph.D in Soil Science from Washington State University in 2023 with an emphasis in soil chemistry. There, he focused on soil health and environmental quality as a USDA NIFA Needs Fellow, and then abroad in Thailand as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar. His B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada – Reno centered on forest soil biogeochemistry and heavy metal(loid) remediation in soil and water.
Rebecca joined Ward Laboratories in 2016. Rebecca graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2012 with a B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences and again in 2014 with a M.S. in Animal Nutrition.
Ryan joined Ward Laboratories, Inc. in the fall of 2019. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and has an MBA with HR emphasis.
Terry joined Ward Laboratories in fall of 2017. He graduated from University of Nebraska-Kearney in 1983 with a B.S. in Business Administration. He has been involved in production agriculture and seed sales in the Kearney area for 34 years.
Katie joined the Ward Laboratories team in the fall of 2023. She graduated with a B.S. in Agriculture and Environmental Science Communication with a special focus on Agronomy from The University of Nebraska- Lincoln in 2020.
MiK joined Ward Laboratories in the fall of 2021. She received an A.A.S. in Agriculture in 2016 from Ivy Tech Community College – Fort Wayne. She graduated from Kansas State University in 2019 where she received a B.S. of Agriculture majoring in Communications and Journalism.
Nikki joined Ward Laboratories in 2006. She graduated from Southeast Community College-Beatrice with an Associates of Science-Biology Degree.
Ram joined Ward Laboratories, Inc. in January 2021. He received his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2014.
Stephanie joined Ward Laboratories in 2020. She attended South Dakota State University where she received her B.S. in Biology in 2016 and then her M.S. with specialization in Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology in 2019.
Melissa joined Ward Laboratories in 2017 and has worked as our Receptionist and Customer Service Representative. She will be attending CCC in Kearney to pursue an AAS Degree in Business Administration.
Sadie joined Ward Laboratories in the summer of 2017. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2017 with a BS in Animal Science.
Jordan joined Ward Laboratories, Inc. in January 2020. He received his BS in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2010.
Casey has 20 years of experience in Information Technology. Casey’s history includes 10 years at the University of Nebraska, and several years of experience supporting labs and driving HIPAA and PCI compliance in enterprise environments and healthcare settings.
Willie Pretorius received B.S. and M.S. from the Universities of Pretoria and Stellenbosch in 1966 and 1970 respectively majoring in Fruit Science, Horticulture and Plant Physiology. He also obtained a Hons. B from the Stellenbosch Business School in 1984. His background is agricultural research, managing food companies, and soil health.
Born December 6, 1940, Jolene co-founded Ward Labs with her husband, Ray, in 1983. In the early years, she was the all-around support staff, receptionist, coffee-brewer, and customer service representative. She officially retired in the mid-‘90s but never stopped promoting the business. Jolene poured herself out for her community with a spirit of generous giving and greatly enjoyed travel and history. Perhaps her most rewarding moments were those spent as a mom, grandma, and great-grandmother. She leaves behind a legacy of love and learning, having never met a stranger, and always sharing her good humor. Jolene died peacefully on September 15, 2023. We, at Ward, are forever grateful for her life and legacy.
Ward Laboratories, Inc. is committed to the continued enhancement of analytical result excellence and service through the dynamics of its quality assurance system, the integrity of its people, and the professionals engaged in the agricultural analytical testing we provide.
We have an extensive system for maintaining the highest possible standards for quality control of your samples. Your analytical results are our highest priority and everything we do is managed with that in mind. We employ professionals in the fields of chemistry and biology, and we work with many proficiency programs to ensure the quality of each analytical result.
