Farmers Business Network announced on Mar. 26 that its concentrated microhumate-bonded phosphorus product, Inhabit P, along with the peptide-chelated zinc product Zinc EPC, offers an alternative to traditional in-furrow starter fertilizers such as 10-34-0.
The announcement comes at a time when growers are seeking more reliable and efficient fertilizer solutions during critical planting windows. Farmers Business Network said the new products could help address supply challenges while maintaining or improving yield performance, especially in high-pH soils.
In field trials across 22 locations, Inhabit P showed near-identical yield results compared to conventional starters but demonstrated a clear advantage in high-pH soils. The company reported that “In high pH soil: Inhabit P produced +3 to +6 bushels compared to the competitive starter, even with significantly less total phosphorus applied (roughly 3 lbs of P vs. nearly 20 lbs from 10-34-0).” For low pH soils, yields were similar between products.
The company outlined logistical benefits as well. A single tote of Inhabit P can cover approximately 550 acres after dilution on-farm, giving growers more control over their supply and reducing dependence on retailer deliveries during planting season. Equipment compatibility was also addressed; while diluted Inhabit P is gentler on most equipment than traditional high-salt fertilizers, it is not recommended for use with raw cast iron components due to its acidity.
Zinc EPC was highlighted as a compatible zinc source for tank mixing with Inhabit P because it uses peptide chelation rather than chemical chelation like EDTA. According to Farmers Business Network’s data, “16 oz/ac of Zinc EPC performed the same as32 oz/ac of Chemically Chelated Zinc in multiple test sites in multiple states.” The stability and extended nutrient release profile were cited as additional advantages.
Farmers Business Network encompasses more than 120,000 farmer members managing over 185 million acres according to the official website. The organization receives financial backing from investors such as GV and Temasek and has provided nearly $3 billion in financing to growers according to the official website. It aims to empower family farmers through data sharing and direct access to manufacturers and markets according to the official website.
Additional support services include fulfillment centers for direct-to-farm deliveries according to the official website, mental health resources for farming communities according to the official website, and affiliations with entities like FBN Inputs LLC for product distribution according to the official website.
Farmer’s Business Network continues its focus on transparency and fairness by providing tools such as crop inputs, financial support, grain marketing resources, and educational content designed for long-term sustainability among family farmers according to the official website.