Soil labs by state
Montana
Montana does not appear to offer a single statewide MSU Extension homeowner soil-test lab page with a standard public routine package. Current official MSU guidance instead directs residents to contact their local MSU Extension office, use MSU soil-sampling guidance, and select a regional lab from MSU’s current soil-testing-lab list; at least one county office (Lewis and Clark) publishes a homeowner drop-off/mail program using Midwest Laboratories.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Basic test price
- $20 for a Basic Sample
- Find your county Extension office
- Official page →
Official resources in Montana
County and reservation Extension office finder for Montana residents.
Current MSU-maintained list of regional soil-testing labs and proficiency notes.
Official MSU sampling and shipping guidance before sending soil to a lab.
Example current county Extension page with homeowner submission help, pricing, and result-interpretation support.
Key facts for Montana
- MSU Extension Local Offices says 97 agents and 45 experts serve 56 counties and 7 reservations in Montana.
- MSU Soil Fertility says to start by contacting your county agricultural Extension agent; some offices may loan probes and help ship soils.
- MSU’s soil-testing-lab list says it is a partial regional list and does not endorse any single laboratory.
- MSU sampling guidance says residents should deliver or overnight-ship samples to the lab after proper handling.
- Lewis and Clark County Extension says it can help with sampling advice, tools, mailing samples, and interpreting results.
- Lewis and Clark County Extension publishes $20 for a Basic Sample using Midwest Laboratories.
What to do next
- Use the MSU Extension local office finder first, then ask your county office whether it accepts homeowner soil samples or helps mail them.
- Collect the sample using MSU’s sampling guide, then keep it cool or dried as directed before shipping.
- If comparing labs, ask for Olsen phosphorus testing and whether the lab uses Montana guidelines, as MSU notes those are important for Montana soils.
Helpful guides
- How to take a soil sample for a lab test
- University soil labs vs. private labs vs. home kits
- How to read a soil test report
- Soil pH and lime: what your test is telling you