Ohio Farmer Sees Yield Boost with Meristem Program

By Andi Anderson

Bennett Musselman, a Pickaway County, Ohio farmer, has been searching for effective ways to boost soybean yields. His participation in the Take Cost Out Plot (TCOP) Program from Meristem Crop Performance offered the perfect opportunity to test new strategies without increasing expenses.

“I keep trying to find a way to push yields on my soybean acres,” Musselman said. “Any time you can experiment for higher yields with no extra costs involved, I am interested.”

Despite the severe 2024 drought—the worst in over a century—Musselman saw encouraging results from the Meristem program. With limited fertility applied due to poor yields the previous year, he relied on Excavator® AMS with Cyclestrike™ to make nutrients more available in the soil.

For the 40-acre Meristem test plot, he planted naked soybeans treated with Hopper Throttle MaxStax Soybean, compared to a standard liquid seed treatment on the control side. Both sides received fungicide, but the Meristem acres also benefited from drone-applied Harvestshield™ Complete, Homestretch® NKB-S Evo, and Revline Late-Season applications.

“The Meristem side looked healthier all year,” Musselman explained. “The plants were taller, filled in better, and had pods closer together. Even in dry conditions, they held up great.”

At harvest, yields averaged in the mid-70s on the Meristem side—10 to 12 bushels higher than the traditional treatment. The added production delivered a return on investment (ROI) exceeding $100 per acre, driven by both cost savings and higher yields.

Beyond profitability, the Meristem system aligned with the Musselman family’s no-till and soil health goals. “Our operation has been no-till since the early ’80s, and we’ve used cover crops for nearly two decades,” he said. “These products fit perfectly because they reduce salt-based fertilizer use and support better soil biology.”

Encouraged by the strong performance, Musselman plans to expand his Meristem acres in 2026. “The ROI is there, and it’s no extra work for us,” he said. “If it continues to add value, we’ll definitely do more next year.”

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic