As the fourth generation on the farm, Dallas Conrad has worked hard to build a legacy for the fifth generation, which includes his son, Austin.
“I’ve learned most of what I know from my dad, so we are 99% aligned, but I would say I am more interested in looking at long-term sustainability and soil health. Dad is more interested in year-to-year profitability — Meristem helps us do both,” Austin said. “Dad is constantly fine-tuning his system with new products to improve farm profitability and we’re having more conversations about what’s actually happening in the soil and within the plant. Meristem products are part of both those conversations.”
Austin appreciates the benefits of Guard X™* and Prephyte™ ST** from Meristem, both delivered by patented Bio-Capsule Technology™ at the planter. EPA-registered Guard X confuses or repels corn rootworm at the root and activates the plant’s immune system to efficiently withstand abiotic stresses. Prephyte™ ST is an EPA-registered broad spectrum biofungicide that lives and grows with the plant roots.
“I really like the biological control we get with Prephyte and Guard X. They work with the plant, attaching to the roots and staying with that plant throughout its life cycle,” Austin said. “When compared to synthetic products killing off everything right there in the furrow, that’s a pretty big differentiator when you’re trying to be conscious of soil health.”
Dallas is a big believer in the Meristem program, including Upshift C® starter fertilizer concentrates powered by Ether™ Enzyme Technology.
“I’m the ultimate skeptic. I’ve got to trial everything to make sure it works on my farm,” Dallas said. “When I first trialed Upshift C as my starter, I compared 10-34-0 and a mix of 10-34-0 and Upshift C. In my trials, I was ahead in growth stages with the Upshift C. I got faster emergence and it showed up in the final yield because I get those extra heat units when we needed them. With the Upshift C, it was almost like I was getting out there earlier with the planter. We have seen a consistent 3- to 4-bushel yield advantage with lower input cost. Upshift C definitely provides a high return on investment.”
The enzymes do the work in Upshift C and the new Upshift® C Plus for 2026, working with soil biology to maximize microbial activity. The low salt index of Upshift C starter fertilizer concentrates benefits long-term soil health.
“Soil health in my system definitely is a factor, and when you put it all together you get this synergy,” Dallas said. “We’re seeing more root growth, better soil health and yield results because each piece builds on the other. We’re not just looking at one individual product. We’re looking at the entire system.”
The Meristem system is built for legacies.
“Family farm legacies like this do not just happen. They are created through profitability, careful management and long-term sustainability,” said Mitch Eviston, Meristem founder and CEO. “As the 2026 planting season approaches, more farmers are learning what the Conrad family already knows — Meristem products take cost out and help farms produce more bushels for less to build a legacy that lasts.”
*Guard X EPA Reg. No.: 95699-2-95552
**Prephyte ST EPA Reg No.: 94485-5
Back to Newsroom