We have published our quarterly newsletter since 1993. It is distributed by postal mail or electronic mail to past and present customers as well as anyone who asks to join our distribution list. Under our company privacy policy, we only add people to the list if they ask to be included. Also, we never provide our mailing list to any outside firms or individuals. You can sign up for the newsletter below, and you can ask to be removed from the list at any time.
On this page, we post a summary of the topics covered in each newsletter published in the past few years. You can also access a PDF version of the newsletter file by clicking on the newsletter image.
2023
We celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of our first newsletter published in March, 1993. We also promote the upcoming National Cover Crop Summit, which will be held online from March 15 to 17. The difference between the Chandler crop products and other types of biological products are explained, and we update the expected returns from using the crop products this spring.
2022
We begin this newsletter by noting that much of the current interest in biological crop products is due to high fertilizer prices. While we have documented the potential savings from increasing biological activity, we also explain that there are many other benefits from improved soil health. We report some recent field results from our users, and we update the estimated net returns from the Chandler crop products. The newsletter concludes with our winter show schedule, including two new farm shows in Iowa and Nebraska.
In this edition, we discuss recent trends in commercial fertilizer prices and project the nutrient value per ton of corn and soybean residue. Then, we estimate the expected net returns from accelerating crop residue decay with Chandler Biocat 1000. We also present the latest side-by-side on-farm test results from Biocat 1000 applied to corn stalks in northern Illinois. Finally, the newsletter includes our fall discount price list, and the program runs from September 1 to October 31.
Our first article announces that Jim Miller recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Midwest Bio-Tech was founded by Jim and Carole Miller in November, 1981. The interior of the newsletter focuses on photosynthesis and the impact of early planting dates on soybean yields. We also update the estimated net return from using Chandler Foliar on soybeans and using Chandler Seed Treat and Biocat 1000 on wheat. Other news items include our sponsorship of the 2022 National Strip Tillage Conference and a new special report on cover crops. We also include general interest articles on the use of lignin in road construction, enzymes and plastic recycling, and battery-powered chemical transfer pumps.
We begin with a summary of our tenth webinar co-hosted with No-Till Farmer. During the webinar, Doug Miller discussed the top ten lessons we have learned about soil fertility over the past 40 years. We also present some recent results for Chandler Foliar applied to soybeans, and we discuss the emergence of tar spot, which is a fungal disease that can sharply reduce corn yields. Tar spot remains in undecayed residue over winter, so you can reduce the problem by accelerating corn residue decay. Finally, we discuss the latest research on corn response to nitrogen during droughts, the National Cover Crop Summit, and our observations from the winter farm shows.
2021
This newsletter celebrates the 40th anniversary of Midwest Bio-Tech, which was founded by James and Carole Miller in November, 1981. We reminisce about some of the changes in the world and farming since 1981, and we highlight some of the key changes in our business over the past 40 years. Although we had to raise product prices for the first time in six years, we demonstrate the continued value of the Chandler products in crop farming through the estimated net returns per acre for 2022. This issue concludes with our full winter show schedule for 2021-2022.
Our lead article provides some basic facts about building soil organic matter and the associated impacts on water holding capacity and fertility. Due to sharply higher fertilizer prices this fall, the expected net returns from recycling nutrients from corn and soybean residue are also much higher than last year. We then answer some common questions about residue decay, including the role of moisture, temperature, and nitrogen. We also discuss some upcoming events that we sponsor, including the National Cover Crop Summit in November and the National No-Till Conference in January, 2022.
We begin with the private benefits of building soil carbon levels. Private benefits are those enjoyed by the farmer or landowner, and these are distinct from the external benefits that outsiders are willing to pay for through carbon contracts. The private benefits of building soil organic matter include improved water infiltration, better water holding capacity, and higher nutrient bonding capacity. We also discuss the benefits and expected returns from Chandler Foliar as well as the basic functions of photosynthesis. Finally, we provide some field scouting notes for new users of Chandler Seed Treat.
Midwest Bio-Tech hosted our ninth webinar with No-Till Farmer on February 25. The title of the presentation was “Measuring and Managing Soil Carbon.” In addition to these topics, Doug Miller reported new results on managing active carbon gathered by the Soil Health Lab. As well, we report recent yield gains from an in-row application of Chandler Soil to soybeans plus the expected net returns from the other crop products. Unfortunately, we only had one farm show this winter. Further, all of our March customer appreciation meetings were canceled due to COVID.
2020
For the first time, Midwest Bio-Tech is a title sponsor of the National No-Till Conference, which is a virtual event for 2021. We report field results from a Chandler user who cut NPK rates in 2020 and maintained his yields. As well, we show the microbial response to Chandler Soil, humic acid, and molasses. Finally, we discuss our spring discounts and the updated winter show schedule.
Midwest Bio-Tech runs soil health tests for a lawn care study. We find higher active carbon and better soil structure in long-term no-till fields. The link between microbial activity and the sulfur cycle in the soil. The expected net returns from accelerated residue decay. Midwest Bio-Tech co-sponsors the National Cover Crop Summit. We also show how Biocat 1000 reduces volunteer corn, discuss evidence of ancient microbial activity, and provide the fall discount price list
We begin with reports from farmers who reduced fertilizer application rates by using Chandler Soil and Biocat 1000. The links between microbial activity and phosphurus and potassium mineralization in the soil. We estimate the average dollar value of applied P and K fertilizer. Other topics include protective and predatory microbes in the soil, Chandler Soil applications while side-dressing corn, the role of molybdenum in plants, the impact of soap and alcohol cleansers on germ cells, and new soil health tests.
We estimate the expected net returns from using Chandler crop products in 2020. Some of the short features cover nitrogen-fixing corn plants, Power Plant augers for applying Dry Seed Treat, and the relationship between soil organic matter and active carbon. Then, we announce the March customer appreciation dinner schedule. Finally, we discuss a new soil test for urea loss, and review the spring discount price list.
2019
We begin with a short note on ethane reduction in ruminant animals. Next, we discuss field evidence of improved water infiltration with Chandler Soil and reduced waterhemp and other weed problems with Biocat 1000. We present a sample soil health test report and report an on-farm 5 BPA yield increase in soybeans with Chandler Liquid Seed Treat. Other topics include our winter farm show schedule, the 2019 National No-Till conference, and our spring discount price list.
The first article considers the resilience of soil microbes to extreme cold. We then discuss improved soil structure and reduced compaction with Chandler Soil and the control of volunteer corn with Biocat 1000. Next, we provide field scouting tips for new users of Chandler Seed Treat. Other topics include the benefits of accelerated residue decay, our summer events summary, free organic no-till report, and the fall discount price list.
To begin, we discuss the impact of extreme winter weather on soil microbes and the difference between bacterial products and enzyme products. For Spring 2019, we estimate the net returns from using Chandler crop products. Also, we offer free reports from No-Till Farmer, then we list the March customer appreciation dinner schedule. We review the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association meeting and announce the National Cover Crop Summit. Finally, we introduce our new soil health web page and the spring discount price list.