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In today’s farming economy, the pressure is on to do more with less. More yield, more sustainability, more resilience, with fewer inputs, tighter margins, and tougher weather patterns. That’s why more growers across the Midwest are turning to Holganix Bio 800⁺, a powerful biological that’s proving itself in the field season after season. We spoke to eight growers from across Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska who are using Bio 800⁺ to improve soil health, increase yields, and drive smarter farming decisions.

Watch this 8-minute testimonial video below. If you’re reading this blog via email, click here to see the video. 

1. Reduction of Inputs Without Sacrificing Yield 

One of the most compelling benefits of Bio 800⁺ is the ability to reduce nitrogen use without losing yield. Greg Wurster of Creston, IA cut his anhydrous application by 35–40 lbs per acre compared to just two years ago. And yet, he’s still raising “the best corn we’ve ever had.” 

Down in Missouri, the Porter Brothers of Mercer shared that they were raised to believe reducing fertilizer would reduce yield, but after watching their father cut nitrogen by 40 units and still grow strong crops using Bio 800⁺, they took the leap themselves. The result? Higher yields and improved economics. "We didn’t just maintain, we improved! Bio 800⁺ is a difference-maker." 

2. Performance on Low-Productivity Soils 

When farming less-than-ideal ground, every advantage counts. The Goslar’s of Ute, Iowa works with marginal land, yet found that Bio 800⁺ performed exceptionally even on their toughest acres. 

Dennis Sykes of Kiron, IA, known for struggling with sand spots, said he actually “saw some bushels” on those poor spots for the first time. Likewise, Gary Behrendt of Ravenna, NE, tried Bio 800⁺ on both clay and sandy soils. Even on his dryland acres, he noticed crop health without relying on timely rains. “It gave us a cushion, and that’s hard to find on dry land.” 

3. Stay-Green Effect and Plant Health 

Another standout benefit is how long the crop stays green late into the season, a strong indicator of plant health and nutrient availability. Gage Porter described fields treated with Bio 800⁺ as looking like it was July in the middle of harvest. “It was still so green, but somehow dried to that 27% range. It almost looked like we were out chopping silage when we were combining.” 

Gary Behrendt echoed that sentiment. “It was November, and the corn was still green. I wasn’t sure it was even drying down. We had tassels, color, and moisture; it was the healthiest-looking corn I’ve ever picked. A dream.” 

4. Improved Soil Tilth and Reduced Compaction 

Soil structure is the foundation of healthy crops, and several growers noticed a big difference in soil softness and tilth. Craig Nielsen of Manning, IA, pointed to spring as the best time to evaluate this. “The ground was just softer and more workable. That’s Bio 800⁺ at work.” 

Behrendt added his own story: “I was cutting trees in the spring and could literally feel where the Bio 800⁺ had been applied; I was sinking into the ground. That’s the kind of softness we’re after, especially for root development and water infiltration.” 

5. Proven Yield Increases 

Of course, every agronomic benefit leads back to one key outcome: yield. And across the board, growers are reporting impressive results. Chad Weitzenkamp, while chopping silage, noticed a 2-ton/ac advantage over a competing product, and 4 ton/ac better than untreated acres. “That’s a massive return,” he noted. 

The Porters, always chasing the edge through tractor pulls and NCGA contests, found their biggest advantage yet with Bio 800⁺. After applying in the fall and spring, they saw a “wild” response. One yield plot clocked in at 405 bu/ac, winning the NCGA contest. “That wasn’t luck, it was the biology doing its thing.”

 6. Faster Breakdown of Crop Residue 

Residue breakdown has become a game-changer for spring planting and nutrient cycling. Dennis Sykes noticed a dramatic difference in how quickly his stalks started to decompose. “They were turning black almost immediately. Even in winter, the stalks kept deteriorating.” 

Rich Johnson of Tingley, IA, got a surprise call from his hired hand while seeding in the spring: “He thought we’d already applied something, because the residue was just… gone. It was pulverized. Never seen anything like it.” 

7. Beyond the Field: Confidence and Support 

It’s not just the product that makes the difference; it’s the people behind it. Bubba Goslar, a seasoned farmer, spoke about the Holganix team’s knowledge and support: “They knew what they were talking about. The follow-up, the education, it sold itself.” 

Chad Weitzenkamp is excited to stack benefits by pairing Bio 800⁺ with other biologicals in the future. Meanwhile, the Porters said it best: “It’s a no-brainer. Increase yield, improve soil health, you have nothing to lose.” Dennis Sykes left us with this closing thought: “The product is great. It’s not fufu juice. It works, and I’m proud to be associated with this group.” 

Want to Learn More?

From nitrogen efficiency to yield gains, from better residue breakdown to healthier soils, Holganix Bio 800⁺ is helping growers grow smarter, not just harder. As more Midwest farmers adopt the product and share their stories, the results are consistent: better crops, better soils, and better peace of mind. 

If you're still wondering whether Bio 800⁺ will work for your farm, just ask the growers who are already seeing the edge. Or better yet, put it on your own ground and see for yourself! 

For more information on how you can incorporate Holganix Bio 800⁺ into your farming practices to improve soil health and reduce the need for fertilizer,  call us at 866-563-2784, and we will be happy to connect you with a Soil Health Specialist.