Beckham County producers now have a powerful new tool to improve yields, cut input costs, and protect the land: routine soil testing through Oklahoma State University’s Soil, Water & Forage Analytical Laboratory (SWFAL) in Stillwater. With convenient sampling kits available at your local OSU Extension office, testing has never been easier— or more affordable.
ACCURATE SOIL TESTS AT LOW COST Per OSU’s SWFAL—effective July 1, 2025—a routine soil fertility test (which includes pH, lime requirement, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is $15. That’s an increase from the previous $10, but still modest compared to the gains it delivers.
Additional testing options include: - Subsoil nitrate-nitrogen: $4 - Micronutrient panel (iron, zinc, boron, copper): $5 - Secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium, sulfur): $5 - Soil texture analysis: $14 - Organic matter percentage: $10 There are also services for water, forage, compost, and plant tissue—starting at around $6 each and scaling up based on test type.
HOW TO GET STARTED Pick up free sample bags and instructions at the Beckham County OSU Extension Office, 109 W Broadway, Elk City, OK 73644, or call (580) 928-2139 for details. Once samples are collected, they’re sent to Stillwater, and results typically arrive within 3–5 business days.
NOT JUST FOR FARMERS— A TOOL FOR HOMEOWNERS, TOO
Soil testing isn’t just for row crops or pastures. Homeowners, gardeners, and anyone interested in healthier lawns, flower beds, or vegetable gardens can benefit from the same affordable, science-based service. A $15 soil test can help pinpoint the right fertilizer, correct soil pH, and reveal why plants, trees, or turf may be struggling. Results include specific recommendations tailored to your yard or garden, making it a smart investment for greener lawns, better gardens, and thriving landscapes.
PAYOFF IN THE FIELD AND PASTURE Farmers who test routinely can tailor lime and fertilizer to actual field conditions— helping avoid wasted inputs, excessive application charges, or poor yields. As one ag educator says: “For the cost of two cups of coffee, you can get a test and know what’s going on with your soil.”
Testing isn’t limited to rowcrop farmers. Livestock operators benefit too: forage testing helps with feed ration balancing, reducing waste, and preventing health issues caused by nutrient imbalances. Compost and manure testing support nutrient management plans and environmental protection.
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE With higher input costs and more variable weather, data- driven decision-making is vital. Soil testing is a simple, scientific approach that raises sustainability and profitability across farms of all sizes. It supports soil health, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.
WHAT’S NEXT
SWFAL is also expanding services—like near-infrared forage analysis—and Oklahoma State is planning updates to lab infrastructure to support future agricultural needs. Beckham County producers who begin testing now are on the front edge of smart farming.
Whether you’re tending 200 acres from the seat of a tractor or pushing a mower around a corner lot in town, soil testing from the OSU lab can help you get the most out of your land. It’s a simple step that pays off—giving farmers, ranchers, and homeowners alike the information they need to grow greener pastures, healthier gardens, and stronger communities across Beckham County.
