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.

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.”