July 14, 2025, Blue Mounds, WI – Midwestern BioAg, revolutionizing agriculture from the soil up for over 40 years, and EarthOptics, the ag-tech company that harnesses data by blending cutting-edge lab analysis, industry-leading field-based sensors, and data science announced a partnership focused on advancing soil health. Together, they’re transforming how farmers identify and address soil compaction—by placing Bio-Cal® precisely where it’s needed, informed by EarthOptics TruTill™ data.
The collaboration marks a powerful meeting of mission and method. For decades, Midwestern BioAg has helped farmers build stronger soils through biological inputs like Bio-Cal, a high-calcium lime amendment designed to loosen tight soils and support crop health. Now, with the addition of EarthOptics -predictive data, the company can go beyond broad recommendations—offering farmers the ability to treat exactly the right acres, at the right depth, with pinpoint accuracy.
“Our focus has always been Better Farming Through Better Soil®,” said Gaji Balakaneshan, CEO of Midwestern BioAg. “By teaming up with EarthOptics, we’re taking that one step further—placing soil solutions exactly where the field needs it most. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to grow.”
At the heart of the partnership is EarthOptics TruTill™ analysis, which uses ground-based sensors, an Automated Dynamic Cone Petrometer, and machine learning to create high-resolution compaction maps down to 18 inches deep. This data identifies precisely where soil compaction is limiting plant growth—allowing Midwestern BioAg soil experts to craft targeted recommendations for Bio-Cal application.
“EarthOptics exists to bring scientific precision to soil care,” said Lars Dyrud, CEO of EarthOptics. “By integrating our TruTill compaction insights with Midwestern BioAg’s proven soil solutions, we’re not just identifying the problem—we’re solving it, with clear benefits to farmers’ bottom lines and long-term soil health.”
On-farm field trials prove the results. “In Southeastern Minnesota and Western Iowa, EarthOptics technology reported Bio-Cal reduced surface and subsurface compaction in some trials up to 44 PSI,” said Chris Kniffen, Director of Research at Midwestern BioAg. With continued Bio-Cal applications, these reductions in soil compaction are consistently observed throughout the soil profile using EarthOptics technology. Compaction management solutions, such as Bio-Cal, offer an innovative approach to crop production, soil stratification, and erosion management that is unseen in the industry.
In addition to improved soil compaction with Bio-Cal, Tru-Till data observed increases in volumetric moisture content. “We are seeing an average increase of 3.125% in soil moisture, which is critically important for managing water and runoff in states challenged with nitrate leaching and aquatic eutrophication”.
Bio-Cal reduces compaction by enhancing soil porosity, allowing more water from rainfed systems to infiltrate the soil rather than run off the field. As a result, more plant-available water is retained for the crop. The result: more resilient crops, better water infiltration, and measurable yield gains. As a result, more plant-available water is retained for the crop—the result: more resilient crops, better water infiltration, and measurable on-farm ROI.
Beyond the agronomic advantages, the partnership also promises real environmental benefits. By precisely targeting inputs, farmers can reduce unnecessary tillage, save on fuel and fertilizer, and lower their carbon emissions. It’s a win-win—for the farmer and the soil.
Midwestern BioAg agronomists are now offering TruTill mapping and Bio-Cal placement planning for the upcoming growing season. Growers interested in making the most of this new technology should contact their local representative to schedule a field scan.
This partnership puts advanced data and regenerative principles into action, delivering better crops, better soil, and better outcomes for the future of farming.
About Midwestern BioAg
For over 40 years, Midwestern BioAg has been leading the way in enhancing soil health and farm productivity. Through innovative, sustainable solutions, Midwestern BioAg’s superior fertilizers and resource-efficient products help farmers build healthier farms that thrive for the long term. Regardless of the crop or acreage, Midwestern BioAg is committed to empowering farmers with the tools they need to succeed.
About EarthOptics
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., EarthOptics harnesses advances in soil-sensing technologies, genomics and data science to provide farmers and ranchers with deep, actionable insights into their soil’s chemical, physical and biological properties. By blending cutting-edge laboratory analysis with industry-leading field-based sensors, we deliver powerful predictive insights that enable producers to optimize input use, improve soil health, increase yields and unlock new opportunities in sustainable agriculture. EarthOptics has offices in Raleigh, N.C.; Emeryville, Calif.; Arlington and Blacksburg, Va; and Fayetteville, Ark., with laboratories in Emeryville, Calif.; and Memphis, Tenn. Learn more at EarthOptics.com.