A Fourth-Generation Legacy 

After applying Holganix Bio 800+, an agronomist for Knob View Dairy Farm, pulled farmer, Chad Elkins aside. “He asked me, ‘What did you do to this field right here? This field’s like a sponge.’ And I told him, ‘Well, that’s one of the fields we used Holganix.’  

For Chad Elkins, farming isn’t just a livelihood – it's a legacy. Raised on a dairy farm, with both sets of grandparents also involved in dairy farming, Chad has carried the tradition forward. Today, he runs Knob View Dairy Farm alongside his brother, Bradley, and his father, Tim.

The Elkins family operation is extensive: 1,000 head of cattle,5,500 acres of farmland, and 800 dairy cows that produce more than 2.5 million pounds of milk annually. Their crops include over 3,000 acres of corn, 2,500 acres of soybeans, and 1,500 acres of additional wheat. What began as growing row crops to provide silage for his cows has expanded into a thriving, diverse operation.

“Of our corn, a percentage goes to silage for forage for the cows, and the grain corn also goes back into feeding cattle. This is all I have ever done — to farm. It was kind of in my blood, and that’s what we’ve continued to do,” says Chad.

Watch the 1-minute video below where Chad introduces his farm and family. If you’re reading this blog in your email, click here to watch the video.

Discovering Holganix Bio 800+ 

Chad first heard about Holganix Bio 800+ through his agronomist, Josh Thurman. 

“I really liked the idea and the benefits he was talking about that we could see from it,” Chad explains. “So we started with it last year and now we are full bore, ready to go forward.” 

Holganix Bio 800+ harnesses the power of over 800 species of soil microbes to increase yield, improve crop resilience against stress, and boost soil health.  

Stalk Break Down You Can See

Chad incorporated Holganix Bio 800+ behind the combine on his corn acres. The results were clear. 

“I have seen a lot of stalk degradation from the product,” Chad says. “It was pretty substantial. You could just notice it a lot — from neighbors’ fields to ours — the stalks were breaking down a whole lot faster where we used it.” 

This improved residue management means fewer tillage passes and easier planting conditions in the spring, helping Chad improve efficiency across his acres. 

Watch the 45-second video below where Chad shows the difference in stalk breakdown. If you're reading this blog via email, click here to watch the video. 

"Like Walking on a Sponge"

One moment stood out to Chad. After applying Holganix Bio 800+, his agronomist walked a treated field and was surprised by the difference. 

“He said, ‘What did you do to this field right here? This field’s like a sponge.’ And I told him, ‘Well, that’s one of the fields we used Holganix.’ He was just amazed by it.” 

The improved soil structure and health gave Chad confidence that Holganix was making an impact not just on the crops above ground, but in the soil below. 

Watch the 1-minute video below where Chad describes his agronomist’s reaction to Holganix-treated fields. If you are reading this blog via email, click here to watch the video.

Reducing Fertilizer Costs

Beyond soil health, the opportunity to cut back on fertilizer is one of the biggest benefits Chad sees with Holganix. 

“The fertilizer reduction is probably the number one thing I am looking at right now,” Chad notes. “We’ve been able to reduce our fertilizer use by about 30%, and that’s where Holganix really helps us manage costs.” 

Building for the future 

As a fourth-generation farmer, Chad has his eyes on the future, both for his crops and his family. By integrating Holganix Bio 800+ into his operation, he’s finding ways to improve soil stewardship, reduce costs, and strengthen sustainability for the years to come. 

For Chad Elkins, Holganix Bio 800+ isn’t just about cutting costs or managing residue; it’s about building a farm that thrives for generations to come.  

By improving soil structure, enhancing crop health, and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, Holganix Bio 800+ helps farmers move beyond survival toward thrivability. 

For Knob View Dairy, that means healthier soils, stronger crops, and a more sustainable future for the Elkins family and the next generation of farmers who will carry on the legacy.