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. 

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.&nbsp;

Contributors and lifelong farmers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula, share their Breaking Barriers agronomic insights that challenge farmers to think differently.

 

Contributors and lifelong farmers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula, share their Breaking Barriers agronomic insights that challenge farmers to think differently.
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Breaking Barriers with R&D

Breaking Barriers with R&D: Finding Lost Yield Before Harvest

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.

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&amp;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&mdash;and why understanding what's already in your soil is the first step.
Breaking Barriers with R&amp;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.

Breaking Barriers: Unlocking the Yield Potential of Potassium

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.

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.

Breaking Barriers with R&D: Is Your Corn Losing Yield Before Harvest?

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.

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 &amp; David emphasize that successful farming starts with healthy soils, sound agronomy, and adopting innovations that deliver long-term returns.

Breaking Barriers with R&D: Finding Lost Yield Before Harvest

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