In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula are joined by Matt Crabbe of Crabbe Aviation, who brings 40 years of aerial application experience to the table. Together, they explore how precision agriculture is evolving—from post-tassel fungicide strategies and one-acre grid sampling to the critical role of pilot-farmer communication. Learn why airplanes still outpace drones, how to tackle crop threats like tar spot and stalk rot, and how soil variability and planting depth can make or break yield potential. If you’re serious about ROI per acre, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you farm smarter, not harder.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula are joined by Matt Crabbe of Crabbe Aviation, who brings 40 years of aerial application experience to the table. Together, they explore how precision agriculture is evolving&mdash;from post-tassel fungicide strategies and one-acre grid sampling to the critical role of pilot-farmer communication. Learn why airplanes still outpace drones, how to tackle crop threats like tar spot and stalk rot, and how soil variability and planting depth can make or break yield potential. If you&rsquo;re serious about ROI per acre, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you farm smarter, not harder.

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: Flying High and Digging Deep — Precision Ag from the Sky to the Soil

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 people who walk beside us through every season.

They explore the power of active giving, gratitude for intangible blessings, and how faith anchors them through life’s hardest trials. From stories of uniform crop emergence and game-changing technologies to deeply personal experiences—Randy’s son’s recovery and David’s loss of both parents—the duo shares how resilience is grown through support, prayer, and honest connection.

Randy and David also shine a light on mental health across farming communities, encouraging listeners to reach out, lift each other up, and never face challenges alone. Whether you're focused on profit per acre or personal growth, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope for every farmer striving for continual, measurable improvement.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Breaking Barriers with R&amp;D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula open up about the deeper foundations that sustain them&mdash;far beyond agronomy. While they&rsquo;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 people who walk beside us through every season.
They explore the power of active giving, gratitude for intangible blessings, and how faith anchors them through life&rsquo;s hardest trials. From stories of uniform crop emergence and game-changing technologies to deeply personal experiences&mdash;Randy&rsquo;s son&rsquo;s recovery and David&rsquo;s loss of both parents&mdash;the duo shares how resilience is grown through support, prayer, and honest connection.
Randy and David also shine a light on mental health across farming communities, encouraging listeners to reach out, lift each other up, and never face challenges alone. Whether you're focused on profit per acre or personal growth, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope for every farmer striving for continual, measurable improvement.

Breaking Barriers with R&D: Gratitude, Faith, and Resilience on the Farm

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-plot corn and soybean trial powered by a custom-built sprayer. From standout performers like Redox products to the frustrating setbacks caused by deer pressure, torrential rains, and trial variability, he offers a candid look at both the promise and pitfalls of large-scale experimentation.

Randy underscores the importance of precision in soil management, urging growers to rethink lime application by studying base saturation levels—rather than relying on cost or convenience—to build healthier, more productive soils.

Finally, the hosts confront the financial strain facing today’s farmers, from rising input costs to unsustainable land rents. They explore strategies growers are using to stay profitable, including reducing rented acres, investing in land grading, and reevaluating every dollar spent. 

Tune in to learn how top producers navigate agronomic complexity, wildlife pressure, and financial headwinds—proving that breaking barriers requires both innovation and resilience.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&amp;D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula dig deep into the realities of pushing agricultural boundaries&mdash;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-plot corn and soybean trial powered by a custom-built sprayer. From standout performers like Redox products to the frustrating setbacks caused by deer pressure, torrential rains, and trial variability, he offers a candid look at both the promise and pitfalls of large-scale experimentation.
Randy underscores the importance of precision in soil management, urging growers to rethink lime application by studying base saturation levels&mdash;rather than relying on cost or convenience&mdash;to build healthier, more productive soils.
Finally, the hosts confront the financial strain facing today&rsquo;s farmers, from rising input costs to unsustainable land rents. They explore strategies growers are using to stay profitable, including reducing rented acres, investing in land grading, and reevaluating every dollar spent.&nbsp;
Tune in to learn how top producers navigate agronomic complexity, wildlife pressure, and financial headwinds&mdash;proving that breaking barriers requires both innovation and resilience.

Breaking Barriers with R&D – Trials, Triumphs, and Tough Decisions on the Farm

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. Learn how collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement drive record-breaking success and profitability. Discover strategies for tackling southern rust, tar spot, and pest pressures, and get a firsthand look at how advancements in fungicide timing, hybrid selection, and genetic innovation are shaping the future of farming.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&amp;D, lifelong farmers and founders of Total Acre, Randy Dowdy and David Hula, explore how technology, genetics, and innovation continue to redefine what&rsquo;s possible on the farm. Joined by special guest Mary Gumz, the conversation dives into the evolving ag landscape &mdash; from disease and pest management to groundbreaking corporate shifts and emerging tools for crop protection. Learn how collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement drive record-breaking success and profitability. Discover strategies for tackling southern rust, tar spot, and pest pressures, and get a firsthand look at how advancements in fungicide timing, hybrid selection, and genetic innovation are shaping the future of farming.

Breaking Barriers With R&D: Flying High and Digging Deep — Precision Ag from the Sky to the Soil

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