Breaking Barriers with R&D
Contributors and lifelong farmers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula, share their Breaking Barriers agronomic insights that challenge farmers to think differently.
Episodes
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...
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.
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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 conditio...
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 ...
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.
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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 th...
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, incl...
In the latest episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula tackle a variety of topics this week ranging from weather challenges, farm management, weather challenges, and much more. This episode offers plenty of invaluable takeaways.
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In this episode, Randy and David unpack how farmers are approaching 2026 with a sharper eye on cost control—rethinking fertilizer rates, evaluating underperforming land, and navigating sudden commodity market swings. They also discuss real-world preparedness, from bracing for severe winter weather and power outages to ensuring families and farms are ready when conditions turn extreme.
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In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, the duo digs into the fundamentals reminding us that success still starts with the basics. From dialing in soil pH and fertility without overspending, to why planter performance remains the biggest untapped opportunity on most farms, Randy and David break down where measurable improvements really come from. They share real-world examples of equipment inspections, planter upgrades, ...
Join Randy Dowdy and David Hula on Breaking Barriers with R&D as they break down today’s biggest ag challenges and opportunities—from economic and policy pressures to extreme weather, pests, and disease. With guests from Golden Harvest, the episode spotlights new corn and soybean genetics, including Durastack® rootworm control, 2026 product innovations, and practical strategies for boosting ROI. Packed with real...
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula open up about the deeper foundations that sustain them—far beyond agronomy. While they’re known for pushing the limits of corn and soybean yields, Randy and David use this conversation to reflect on the gifts that truly matter: faith, community, and the peo...
In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula dig deep into the realities of pushing agricultural boundaries—both in the field and on the balance sheet. Joined by innovative grower Alex Harrell, the trio breaks down what it really takes to pursue continual, measurable improvement on every acre.
Alex shares behind-the-scenes insights from an ambitious 141...
In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and founders of Total Acre, Randy Dowdy and David Hula, explore how technology, genetics, and innovation continue to redefine what’s possible on the farm. Joined by special guest Mary Gumz, the conversation dives into the evolving ag landscape — from disease and pest management to groundbreaking corporate shifts and emerging tools for crop protection. L...
In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula tackle one of farming’s greatest variables — Mother Nature. From drought in South Georgia to hailstorms in Michigan, the duo explores how weather shapes harvest outcomes and the strategies farmers can use to stay ahead. Randy and David share real-world lessons on crop management and fungicide use, empha...
In this episode of Breaking Barriers, record-yield growers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula unpack the real-world factors affecting today's farmers — from weather-related yield challenges to strategic use of cover crops. David discusses how unexpected late-season weather shifted corn hybrid plot results, while Tim Woodward shares how Southern growers are battling hard ground and low...
In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into surprising parallels between deer farming and row crop agriculture. Randy shares insights from his Michigan-based deer farm, Next Level Whitetails, exploring how science and nutrition drive antler growth — just like maximizing yield in corn and soybeans. Also in this episode: Tips on stress management and tick prevention for deer farmers a...
Breaking Barriers with R&D: "Hope Is a Plan—Just Not a Good One" | Fighting Yield Loss with Strategy
In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula tackle one of the biggest threats to your yield: crop disease. From early detection of Southern Rust and tar spot to maximizing kernel weight through strategic nutrition and management, this episode is packed with actionable insights to protect and improve your bottom line. Discover why ground rig fungicide applica...
In this powerful episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive deep into the agronomic realities behind record-breaking yields—and why chasing bushels isn’t the ultimate goal. Instead, it’s all about maximizing profitability per acre through data-driven decisions, proactive management, and real-world field experience.
Randy and David break down ...
In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula sit down with Marion Calmer, a fourth-generation farmer, seasoned independent on-farm researcher, and founder of Calmer Corn Heads. Calmer shares how his innovative BT Chopper transforms residue management in no-till systems by accelerating cornstalk breakdown, improving soil health, and boosting nutrient cycling. The conversation dives into practical sol...
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