System Over Silver Bullets - PJ Family Farms

"Iowa Soybean Association has a research program and we've done different trials for them with different things. And not one time have we ever seen a silver bullet product. I just have a hard time believing that one product is going to make a difference. It takes a systematic approach."

There Is No Silver Bullet in Modern Farming 

In agriculture, it’s easy to believe the next product will be the one that finally changes everything. A new input. A new recommendation. A new “fix.” But after years of on‑farm trials and real‑world testing, Jeff Ellis of PJ Family Farms reached a different conclusion: there is no silver bullet. 

Jeff and his wife Paula farm approximately 1,700 acres near Donnelson, Iowa. By 2016, they weren’t interested in adding another product. They were looking for a better way to manage the details that drive yield and efficiency. 

What Made the Maximum Farming System Different?

Before committing to the Maximum Farming System, Jeff noticed something different - real agronomic support and commitment from his local dealer and the company overall. Field visits throughout the summer happened before any products were purchased, and Jeff and Paula learned why things were happening in their fields, not just another company trying to validate their purchase decisions. 

PJ Family Farms first implemented the System to half of their corn acres and saw a 20-bushel yield advantage the first year. That success led to full adoption across corn and soybeans, producing repeatable 9–10 bushel soybean gains. 

Operational Improvements that Support the Entire Farm 

Beyond yield, operational efficiency improved. Adjustments to nutrient placement and timing reduced spring bottlenecks and improved early-season crop vigor. 

After decades of grid sampling and variable-rate fertilizer use, the System helped address nutrient tie-up challenges through better placement, timing, and form. For Jeff, that’s the greatest value for his business. His Maximum Farming dealer and the support from the System helps him understand what is happening in the field and why. He gets answers that go beyond simply adding more fertility. 

The experience at PJ Family Farms shows that consistent results come from executing a complete system supported by in-field agronomy - not chasing silver bullets. 

Want to learn more?

Watch the video below about PJ Family Farms.