Microbian Grower Guide

MICROBIAL PRODUCTS: THE BASICS The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) invests corn checkoff dollars to develop and defend markets, fund research and provide education about corn production and uses. The ICPB provides information and educational opportunities for farmers to use to make production decisions that work best for their farms, which includes staying knowledgeable of new market opportunities. The development and marketing of microbial products (also known as biological products) has increased dramatically in recent years and projections predict that this growth will accelerate into the future. The ICPB is providing you with this grower guide to ensure you are aware of the plusses and minuses of these products, and to point out the importance and role of microorganisms in crop production. More than 400 companies are involved in research, development and marketing of microbial products. In some cases, these microbes are naturally occurring; in others, they are altered to perform a specific function for the crop. The companies marketing them make a wide assortment of claims, but there’s a relative scarcity of local, independent testing results. These products hold a lot of promise, but also some uncertainty. Farmers interested in microbial product options should educate themselves on their potential value and limitations on their farm. This guide can help.