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-world insights on seed technology, planting timing, fertility, and data-driven decisions, this conversation offers growers a forward-looking take on the future of farming.

Join Randy Dowdy and David Hula on Breaking Barriers with R&amp;D as they break down today&rsquo;s biggest ag challenges and opportunities&mdash;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&reg; rootworm control, 2026 product innovations, and practical strategies for boosting ROI. Packed with real-world insights on seed technology, planting timing, fertility, and data-driven decisions, this conversation offers growers a forward-looking take on the future of farming.

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: Innovations Shaping American Agriculture's Future

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, and maintenance details that directly impact uniform emergence and yield. You’ll also hear how on-farm trials, factory visits, and testing innovative tools—like advanced closing systems and fertilizer application methods—help uncover practical solutions that move the needle.

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&amp;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, and maintenance details that directly impact uniform emergence and yield. You&rsquo;ll also hear how on-farm trials, factory visits, and testing innovative tools&mdash;like advanced closing systems and fertilizer application methods&mdash;help uncover practical solutions that move the needle.

Breaking Barriers with R&D: Laying the Groundwork for a Profitable 2026

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: Innovations Shaping American Agriculture's Future

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