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.

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38 clip(s) in playlist

Breaking Barriers: Don't Bet the Farm on Unproven Hybrids
On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula discuss the decisions that can make or break a growing season, from establishing successful cover crops to selecting the right corn hybrids for next year. The conversation covers cover crop planting methods, managing weed pressure, a…
33:47
Breaking Barriers: Rethinking Wheat, Planting Technology & Lessons From Harvest 2026
Randy Dowdy and David Hula sit down for another wide-ranging conversation about harvest, crop performance and the lessons they’re taking into next season. With corn harvest underway, the pair discuss strong yields, genetics and fungicide performance, managing grain handling challenges and what this…
1:08:50
Breaking Barriers: Unlocking the Yield Potential of Potassium
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…
52:01
Breaking Barriers with R&D: Is Your Corn Losing Yield Before Harvest?
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…
41:02
Breaking Barriers with R&D: Finding Lost Yield Before Harvest
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.
49:29
Breaking Barriers: The Secrets to Bigger Corn Yields & Healthier Soils
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 D…
53:05
Breaking Barriers: Stop Losing Soybean Yield - The Herbicide Mistake Costing Farmers
On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula share observations from their latest field visits across Nebraska, Iowa, Virginia, and Georgia, highlighting the mid-season decisions that can make or break profitability. The duo explains why late herbicide applications may be costin…
50:12
Breaking Barriers with R&D: The Spray Application Debate Every Farmer Should Hear
As fungicide season approaches, Randy Dowdy and David Hula welcome aerial applicator Matt Crabbe for a deep dive into spray application technology. Fresh off a multi-day "Operation Safe Fly" demonstration, Crabbe compares drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, sharing surprising results on d…
51:45
Breaking Barriers: The Yield Potential Is There—Now Comes the Management
In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula compare notes from recent crop tours across the Corn Belt and discuss what they're seeing in fields from Georgia to Nebraska. From improved planting depths and stronger root development to concerns about moisture, nutrient uptake, and…
42:37
Breaking Barriers: Why Uniform Emergence Still Rules the Farm
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 w…
39:34