Advertise on podcast: Breaking Barriers with R&D

Randy Dowdy and David Hula sit down for another wide-ranging conversation about harvest, crop performance and the lessons they’re taking into next season. With corn harvest underway, the pair discuss strong yields, genetics and fungicide performance, managing grain handling challenges and what this year’s crop is teaching them. They also dive into an intriguing question: Can wheat be planted with a precision planter instead of a traditional grain drill to improve depth control and emergence? Randy and David explore 15-inch-row wheat, singulation, starter fertilizer, biological products and the potential impact of more uniform emergence and tillering. The conversation also looks ahead to 2027, including wheat and double-crop soybean opportunities, phosphorus management, grain sorghum, equipment decisions and the importance of challenging conventional thinking. Plus, Randy shares updates from the deer operation, including fawn vaccinations, weaning and the challenges of handling mature bucks. From harvest headaches to new planting strategies, this episode is all about learning from the field, testing new ideas and finding the next opportunity to push yields and profitability forward.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Potassium is often overlooked compared with nitrogen, but it plays a critical role in water management, nutrient movement, photosynthesis, stalk strength and overall crop performance. In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula are joined by Dr. Karl Wyatt, Director of Agronomy at Nutrien, for a deep dive into potassium and potash management. The discussion covers soil testing, base saturation vs. parts-per-million measurements, fertilizer sources including potash, potassium sulfate and potassium nitrate, application timing, chloride sensitivity, variable-rate applications and the role of potassium in nitrogen-use efficiency. The group also explores how high-yield growers can use yield maps and soil fertility data to build more customized fertility programs for their farms. As growers begin making fertility decisions for 2027, this conversation offers practical insight into how potassium fits into a complete nutrient-management strategy—and why understanding what's already in your soil is the first step. Breaking Barriers with R&D is hosted by Randy Dowdy and David Hula and focuses on the agronomic practices, technology and management strategies helping growers push yield and improve ROI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into the challenges farmers are seeing in the field, from long and drooping ear shanks to inconsistent planting depth and hybrid performance. They discuss why farmers should look beyond yield when selecting seed, the importance of planter setup and emergence, and how harvest timing, soybean maturity and desiccation can help protect yield and grain quality. Plus, the two share insights from recent field visits across the Midwest and Southeast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Dowdy and David Hula discuss what farmers should be looking for as harvest approaches, from inconsistent planting depth and weed pressure to disease, ear development, hybrid selection and crop stress.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Breaking Barriers with Randy Dowdy and David Hula covers the latest crop conditions across the country, while also taking a deep dive into Pioneer's 100 years of innovation with special guest Gabe Bathen. The conversation begins with field updates from Georgia and Virginia, where Dowdy and Hula discuss early corn harvest, soybean progress, irrigation challenges, and the importance of building soil fertility instead of relying solely on in-season foliar applications. They explain why investing in soil health and nutrient balance remains one of the best long-term strategies for maximizing yield and profitability. Later, Gabe Bethen from Pioneer joins the show to celebrate the company's centennial and preview the next generation of corn genetics. The discussion explores new breeding technologies, improved disease resistance, stronger stalks, enhanced yield stability, and how future hybrids are being developed to help farmers manage increasingly unpredictable weather and disease pressure. The episode wraps up with an update on tar spot, southern rust, and other late-season disease concerns, along with practical advice for protecting yield as corn harvest gets underway. Throughout the conversation, Randy & David emphasize that successful farming starts with healthy soils, sound agronomy, and adopting innovations that deliver long-term returns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula share observations from their latest field visits across Nebraska, Iowa, Virginia, and Georgia, highlighting the mid-season decisions that can make or break profitability. The duo explains why late herbicide applications may be costing soybean yield potential, how tissue sampling reveals hidden crop stress, and why protecting early flowers is critical for maximizing returns. They also discuss southern rust preparedness, fungicide timing, spray coverage, irrigation challenges, planter performance, and emerging precision agriculture technologies. Whether you're managing soybeans, corn, or planning ahead for harvest, this episode is packed with practical agronomic insights to help you improve every acre and every decision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As fungicide season approaches, Randy Dowdy and David Hula welcome aerial applicator Matt Crabbe for a deep dive into spray application technology. Fresh off a multi-day "Operation Safe Fly" demonstration, Crabbe compares drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, sharing surprising results on droplet size, spray drift, swath width, and canopy penetration. The conversation also covers weather challenges across the Corn Belt, crop conditions, disease pressure, and why proper application coverage can make or break returns in a tight-margin year. Whether you're considering drone applications or relying on traditional aerial spraying, this episode offers practical insights to help maximize every acre.   Learn More About Matt Crabbe Aviation Here: https://mattcrabbeaviation.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula compare notes from recent crop tours across the Corn Belt and discuss what they're seeing in fields from Georgia to Nebraska. From improved planting depths and stronger root development to concerns about moisture, nutrient uptake, and crown health, the duo shares practical observations that could impact yield potential throughout the growing season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into the agronomic details that separate average crops from exceptional ones. From planter setup and seed depth to fertility placement, irrigation strategies, and crop protection, the duo shares real-world observations gathered while visiting growers across Kentucky, Delaware, Georgia, and beyond. They discuss why uniform emergence remains one of the biggest drivers of profitability, how growers are adapting to dry conditions and changing weather patterns, and why attention to detail matters more than ever in today’s high-cost environment. Randy and David also break down in-season nitrogen strategies, the importance of protecting root systems, and how irrigation can be used as a management tool far beyond simply supplying water. Plus, the conversation touches on grower networking, learning from early adopters, managing crop stress during hot and cloudy conditions, and preparing for disease pressure later in the season. Whether you’re planting late, side-dressing nitrogen, or evaluating fungicide timing, this episode delivers practical insights to help farmers think differently and focus on measurable improvement across every acre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula sit down with Todd Dale of Estes Performance Concaves for an in-depth conversation about combine performance, harvest efficiency, and protecting yield potential. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula break down the harsh reality farmers are facing across the country right now—extreme weather swings that are already impacting the 2026 crop. From severe drought in the South to flooded fields in the North, this season is shaping up to be a story of “haves and have-nots.” With some growers stopping planting altogether due to dry conditions, while others are battling excess moisture, the challenges are stacking up fast. Despite the uncertainty, the message is clear: control what you can early, and adjust as the season unfolds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula challenge farmers to rethink traditional practices and focus on what truly drives performance and profitability. Too often, operations fall into routine—doing things the way they’ve always been done. But the most successful farmers separate themselves by being intentional, disciplined, and data-driven in every decision they make. Randy and David dig into the importance of proactive management, dialing in input efficiency, and focusing on return on investment—not just yield. They also emphasize the power of mindset, accountability, and eliminating excuses by concentrating on controllable factors. The episode reinforces that success isn’t about one big change—it’s about stacking small, consistent improvements that compound over time into major gains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode blends technical farming strategies with personal stories from the field. Randy shares the pride and connection built through his son Easton’s hunting success, highlighting the importance of family traditions alongside farm life. David breaks down the precision practices behind high yields, including tissue sampling, early stand establishment, and overcoming equipment challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula share practical agronomic insights designed to challenge farmers to think differently about productivity and profitability. While widely recognized for producing record-breaking corn and soybean yields, their true focus is maximizing profit on every acre through continual, measurable improvement.  Randy and David tackle the realities of modern farming—from the frustrations and occasional wins of new technology to the mounting pressure of rising input costs like seed, fertilizer, and equipment. The episode dives deep into the advantages of strip-till systems, sharing real-world experiences with soybeans, cover crops, fertilizer placement, and equipment setups that improve efficiency in challenging field conditions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Randy and David discuss shifting weather patterns and planting readiness, global market challenges as Brazil surpasses the U.S. in production, and the mounting pressure of soft commodity prices. They tackle the growing concern around corn seed shortages and how limited hybrid availability is impacting even the most experienced growers. Special guest David Simpson breaks down strategic crop insurance decisions, including upcoming flexibility with the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) in 2026 and how the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) can provide added protection. The conversation also delivers practical, actionable steps—from seed sample testing and updating APH yields to selecting enterprise units for cost savings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.