North Carolina No-Till Farmer Sets Dryland Corn Yield Record

Russell Hedrick's regenerative practices and meticulous soil testing help guide nutrient decisions at his JRH Grain Farms operation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:25am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of premium farm tools and soil samples arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background, conceptually representing the meticulous soil testing and regenerative farming practices that have driven Russell Hedrick's record-breaking dryland corn yields.Hedrick's systematic soil testing and willingness to experiment with regenerative farming have helped him achieve record-breaking dryland corn yields.Hickory Today

Russell Hedrick, a first-generation farmer in Hickory, North Carolina, has set the world record for dryland corn yield. Hedrick's systematic soil testing and willingness to experiment with regenerative farming practices have allowed him to save over $100,000 on inputs in 2021 at his JRH Grain Farms operation.

Why it matters

Hedrick's story highlights how innovative no-till and regenerative farming techniques can boost yields and reduce input costs, even in challenging dryland conditions. His success could inspire other farmers to adopt similar practices and help advance sustainable agriculture in the region.

The details

At JRH Grain Farms, Hedrick relies on meticulous soil testing as a critical component of his day-to-day operations. Years of on-farm experimentation have allowed him to fine-tune his nutrient management and adopt regenerative practices that have boosted his dryland corn yields to record-setting levels.

  • Hedrick set the world dryland corn yield record in 2021.
  • Hedrick saved over $100,000 on inputs at his farm in 2021.

The players

Russell Hedrick

A first-generation farmer in Hickory, North Carolina, and the current holder of the world record for dryland corn yield.

JRH Grain Farms

Hedrick's farming operation in the foothills of Hickory, North Carolina, where he implements regenerative practices and meticulous soil testing.

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The takeaway

Hedrick's success demonstrates how innovative no-till and regenerative farming techniques can boost yields and reduce input costs, even in challenging dryland conditions. His story could inspire other farmers to adopt similar practices and help advance sustainable agriculture in the region.