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.

In this episode, Randy and David unpack how farmers are approaching 2026 with a sharper eye on cost control&mdash;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.

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.
&nbsp;

Breaking Barriers with R&D

Breaking Barriers with R&D: Profit First Thinking in an Unpredictable Farm Economy

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.

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&mdash;from seed sample testing and updating APH yields to selecting enterprise units for cost savings.

Breaking Barriers: Profit Over Yield—Planting Readiness, Market Pressures & Smart Risk Management

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.

In the latest episode of&nbsp;Breaking Barriers with R&amp;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.

Breaking Barriers with R&D: Navigating weather challenges and the importance of crop insurance

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: Profit First Thinking in an Unpredictable Farm Economy

In 1 playlist(s)

Breaking Barriers with R&D

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips