Veteran Grower Chris Weaver Partners with Locus Agriculture, Concept AgriTek, and AgroTech USA to Set Non-irrigated Soybean Yield Record
Collaborative biological + foliar program delivers 154.98 bu./acre, showing what's possible when farmers and trusted input partners work together.
FINKSBURG, Md., Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran grower Chris Weaver of Hickory Hollow Farms, working in collaboration with Locus Agriculture, Concept AgriTek, and AgroTech USA, has set a new world record for non-irrigated soybean yield using a combined biological, foliar, and nutrient-efficiency program.
The documented yield of 154.98 bushels per acre was achieved in a no-till, non-irrigated field, demonstrating how trusted partnerships and complementary technologies can unlock new ceilings for soybean performance without sacrificing conservation-minded practices.
"We didn't chase a record with gimmicks. We did it with a real-world setup that other growers can relate to," said Chris Weaver. "What made the difference was having a trusted team around the farm. Locus AG's biologicals, Concept AgriTek's Calbor, VermiBoost and foliar & soil nutrition program, and AgroTech USA's NutriCharge all worked together with our agronomy to keep this crop fed, healthy, and finishing strong."
A Team Effort: Grower + Three Technology Partners
The record-setting program combined:
The record-setting agronomy was built around a season-long collaboration between Weaver and Locus AG, Concept AgriTek, and AgroTech USA, aligning products, timing, and placement to support his no-till, non-irrigated system. Weaver brought decades of agronomic knowledge and attention to detail, while the three companies contributed complementary, field-proven tools and innovations in biologicals, foliar nutrition, and advanced charge-control chemistry. Together, the program maximized yield performance while maintaining a strong commitment to conservation and stewardship.
Validated Results
The performance was independently evaluated and judged.
Melvin Baile, a Maryland farmer and member of the Maryland Grain Producers Association, said, "We see a lot of soybeans come across the scale, but this load was different. I knew they were going to be good, but I didn't know they were going to be that good."
Baile's role was to monitor the weights with two different samples. Additionally, he ensured everything was done correctly for competition purposes.
"Chris knows his land and knows it well," Baile said. "Witnessing the work, he put into this crop and seeing the results really speaks for itself."
Baile noted that it was clear that Weaver's fields were carefully managed, not just planted and left alone. A lot of time and energy was spent really studying the agronomics of his land and what it needed to be the best producing for this soybean crop.
Why it Matters
What the partners are saying
"Soybeans require 4.0 lb of nitrogen, 0.8 lb of Phosphorus, and 1.4 lb of Potassium per bushel grown. Rhizobia bacteria will produce up to 90% of that nitrogen from the air. Combining Locus' seed applied Rhizolizer Prime BA for soybeans microbial product with Bombigro, Concept AgriTek's VermiBoost, and AgroTech's NutriCharge will provide ample nutrition for a record breaking crop," said David Dyson, Agronomist at Locus AG.
"This record is the result of years of work on formulation, compatibility, and in-season timing," said Daniel Hensley, President at Concept AgriTek. "When Calbor, VermiBoost and the foliar package are applied at the right time on a strong biological and nutritional foundation, you capture more pods, more seeds, and ultimately more bushels. It also shows what's possible when Locus AG, Concept AgriTek, and AgroTech USA partner with the grower to maximize performance."
"Our goal with NutriCharge is simple: maximize phosphorus availability, while also preventing tie-up in the soil, so plants get the P they need when they need it most," said James Paterson, Co-Founder of AgroTech USA (NutriCharge). "Seeing this kind of performance in a no-till, non-irrigated field, alongside Locus AG and Concept AgriTek, is proof that better phosphorus, and overall nutrient efficiency, is a key lever in conservation systems."
Next Steps for Growers
Growers interested in learning more can contact their local representative or visit each company's website for technical resources and trial opportunities.
About Locus AG (a division of Locus Fermentation Solutions)
Locus AG develops microbe-based agricultural inputs that enhance nutrient use efficiency, root development, and plant resilience. The division partners with growers, agronomists, and retailers to deliver practical, data-driven biological programs that fit seamlessly into modern farming systems. Learn more at locusag.com.
About Concept AgriTek
Concept AgriTek formulates and supplies farmer driven fertility solutions that help farmers capture more yield potential, and enhance soil and plant health. With a focus on agronomy, biology, chemistry, and innovative technologies, Concept AgriTek enables high-performance programs from emergence to finish. Visit conceptagritek.com.
About AgroTech USA
AgroTech USA develops patented nutrient-efficiency technologies that enhance the performance of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in modern crop production. Headquartered in the United States with a growing international presence, AgroTech USA is committed to advancing agricultural productivity through science-based innovation. By improving the availability and efficiency of essential nutrients, AgroTech USA empowers growers to achieve more sustainable, profitable, and resilient crop systems worldwide.
www.agrotechusa.com
Yield Record Context
The "world record for non-irrigated soybean yield using a biological + foliar program" refers specifically to performance achieved by grower Chris Weaver of Weaver Seed Service in a no-till, non-irrigated system using the combined program from Locus AG, Concept AgriTek, and AgroTech USA's NutriCharge. Documentation of the 154.98 bu./acre yield, including weigh tickets and verification details, are available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Locus AG
Anastasia Price
[email protected]
(855) 503-0080
Concept AgriTek
[email protected]
1-888-638-9984
AgroTech USA
Sarah Owens
Director of Marketing
[email protected]
(816) 730-4402
SOURCE Locus FS