Biobest has unveiled a significantly enhanced version of its Side Effects app, a digital decision-support tool designed to help agricultural professionals make informed pesticide choices while safeguarding beneficial organisms vital to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. As the agricultural industry continues to balance the dual challenge of managing pest outbreaks and ensuring long-term sustainability, this upgraded app equips users with faster access to the most up-to-date data on the potential impact of chemical pesticides on beneficial insects, mites, and other biological control agents. The update goes beyond simple functionality improvements — it introduces a wider set of data points, newly added side effect combinations, and expanded language support to better serve international teams working across diverse crops and regions. In addition, the app now offers easy sharing of compatibility reports in PDF or CSV formats, ensuring seamless collaboration between growers, crop advisors, distributors, and IPM specialists across platforms such as email and WhatsApp. By integrating these enhanced features, the Side Effects app not only supports immediate, in-field decision-making during periods of high pest pressure, but also plays a critical role in fine-tuning IPM programmes — helping growers avoid unintended harm to beneficial populations, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and align pest management strategies with long-term goals for biological sustainability, residue reduction, and crop performance.
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Waypoint Analytical Expands Soil Testing Capabilities to Midwest Farmers with Grand Island, Nebraska Lab Opening
Memphis, TN (July 17, 2025) – Waypoint Analytical (“Waypoint”), North America’s largest agricultural lab network, has officially opened its newest laboratory in Grand Island, Nebraska. The new lab expands Waypoint’s capabilities in the heart of row crop country—bringing cutting-edge testing closer to the farm and accelerating the delivery of agronomic recommendations.
Celebrating with an open house event on July 17th, the Grand Island lab marks a major step forward in providing nutrient analysis and advanced, locally relevant soil health recommendations to farmer customers across the Midwest. The facility is designed to reduce turnaround times and improve the precision of recommendations that help farmers fine-tune fertility programs, protect soil health, and optimize input use.
“Soil or tissue sampling provides a window into crop health,” says Lizzie French, Soil Biology Manager at Waypoint Analytical. “By bringing advanced testing closer to farmers, we’re helping them understand what’s happening beneath the surface—so they can make confident, timely decisions that support yield and long-term soil vitality today, and for years to come.”
Waypoint’s lab services include:
- Soil testing for pH, organic matter, and nutrient availability
- Plant tissue analysis to monitor in-season nutrient status
- Water testing for irrigation, spray tanks, and fertilizer compatibility
- Comprehensive plant pathology testing for soil or plant tissue
- Soil biology reports that assess microbial function related to nutrient cycling and residue breakdown—offering deeper insight into soil biome performance
For farmers leveraging Waypoint’s services, these insights allow crop consultants to create tailored prescriptions using enhanced efficiency products and seed selections that match a farmer’s specific field needs.
Waypoint is piloting a new soil biology test. This next-generation analysis focuses on measuring the genes microbes use to cycle nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—giving farmers a more precise understanding of microbial activity in their soil. Currently available to customers on a limited basis, the tool is designed to fit seamlessly into routine sampling processes while offering powerful new insights into soil function and biofertility.
Waypoint now operates eight agricultural labs across North America, including locations in Memphis, TN; Atlantic, IA; Champaign, IL; Wilson, NC; Richmond, VA; Leola, PA; Anaheim, CA; and the new Grand Island, NE facility. While two facilities specialize in plant pathology, customers can send samples to any Waypoint location, and the team will ensure pathology samples are directed to the appropriate specialized facility for analysis.
This national footprint allows Waypoint to deliver regionally tailored solutions while maintaining high standards in quality, speed, and scientific consistency—helping farmers from coast to coast make data-driven decisions that improve crop performance and environmental outcomes.
About Waypoint Analytical
Waypoint Analytical operates the most extensive agricultural lab network in North America, with eight labs offering soil, plant tissue, water, and environmental testing. Waypoint empowers farmers to make science-based decisions that boost productivity, maximize efficiency, and enhance soil health. With a commitment to fast turnaround, consistent data, and agronomic support, Waypoint helps farmers build stronger, more resilient acres—today and for the future. For more information, visit waypointanalytical.com.
Media Relations Contacts
Katelyn Maass
on behalf of Waypoint Analytical
641-340-0350 katelyn.maass@nutrien.com
Michaela Spangler
on behalf of Waypoint Analytical
970-613-3743 michaela.spangler@nutrien.com
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