MSU Quality Lab
High-quality grain is crucial to growth of the craft malting, brewing, distilling and milling industries. Malting barley should be tested at a lab that understands the quality factors that are important to maltsters and that uses standardized methodologies approved by the industry.
Malting barley and other small grains are tested at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center quality analysis lab utilizing methods outlined by the American Society of Brewing Chemists. The lab participates in the ASBC check sample program to ensure confidence in results.
Samples received at the lab by Tuesday will be processed within the week. All other samples will be processed the following week to allow ample time for germination analysis. We strive to have results reported seven to ten business days after the sample has been received by the lab.
The lab will be closed the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Independence Day. Samples will be processed immediately upon our return to the lab. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions regarding these temporary closures, please contact the lab at colema98@anr.msu.edu.
Analysis options
To learn more about the parameters analyzed for malting barley quality and the methodologies used, please refer to our Understanding Malting Barley Analysis fact sheet.
| Analysis option | Includes | Price/sample* |
| Complete analysis | protein, moisture, kernel assortment, pre-harvest sprout, DON and germination tests | $109 |
| Protein + Moisture | using Infratec Nova NIR | $39 |
| Kernel assortment | using Pfeuffer Sortimat K3 | $26 |
| Pre-harvest sprout | using Perten RVA Starch Master 2 | $52 |
| Deoxynivalenol (DON) | using Neogen Raptor | $41 |
| Germination energy, capacity and water sensitivity | germination energy, capacity and water sensitivity | $33 |
*Alternative, at-cost pricing is available for MSU students and staff, as well as government-funded research outside of MSU. Please contact the lab at colema98@anr.msu.edu for more information.
Submitting samples
All samples must be accompanied by payment and a completed lab intake form (before submitting the online form, print a copy from your web browser).
Contact
Questions and inquiries for the lab can be directed to colema98@anr.msu.edu or (906) 439-5114.