As a farmer and ag salesman at Huma, I’m always on the lookout for products that can make farming easier and more efficient. That’s how I first came across MicroHumic® OM at the 2024 Commodity Classic, right after I joined Huma. While working in our booth, I was chatting with our CEO, Lyndon Smith, when my dad mentioned using talc and graphite as seed lubricants. Lyndon suggested MicroHumic® OM as a possible alternative. Having had bad experiences with other alternatives to talc and graphite, I decided to test it on our farm.
The Trial: Testing MicroHumic as a Seed Lubricant
Fast forward to May 2024. While planting soybeans, I gave MicroHumic® OM a try. My goal for this trial was simple. I wanted to make sure that the seeds flowed smoothly from the bulk tanks to the seed meters, without any issues. If all went well, I could find a cheaper seed treatment that might also improve soil health.
For the trial, I used my seed tender equipped with a talc/graphite dispenser, applying MicroHumic® OM at the same rate as the traditional product. Throughout the process, everything went well. It was satisfying to see those black humic granules coating the seed, and most importantly, the seeds flowed perfectly through the planter. I achieved my main goal: no problems with seed placement.
Result: The Unexpected Yield Bump
At harvest, I almost forgot about the MicroHumic® OM trial. Then one day, while switching operators in the combine, my dad pointed out something interesting: the west side of the field was yielding 1-3 bushels more than the rest—and typically, it’s the opposite. Normally, the west side doesn’t do well because of a big waterway ditch that affects the yield. That’s when it hit me that this was the field where I had switched to MicroHumic® OM midway through planting! It was a pleasant surprise, as we don’t usually expect such a yield bump from something as simple as a seed lubricant. We didn’t have a weigh wagon to measure the exact yield, but the yield map showed a clear difference. While it wasn’t a scientific study, the results were enough to convince me to keep using MicroHumic® OM on our farm in 2025.
Conclusion: MicroHumic® OM Worked for My Farm
Every farm is unique, and what works for mine may not work for everyone else. However, for us, MicroHumic® OM delivered some real benefits. It helped with seed flow and placement, and surprisingly, it even boosted our yield. As we continue to focus on regenerative and sustainable farming practices, using MicroHumic® OM feels like a step in the right direction.
If you’re looking for an alternative to talc or graphite, I’d definitely recommend giving MicroHumic® OM a shot. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about getting better performance and results in the field.
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