Breaking Barriers with R&D

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula tackle one of farming’s greatest variables — Mother Nature. From drought in South Georgia to hailstorms in Michigan, the duo explores how weather shapes harvest outcomes and the strategies farmers can use to stay ahead. Randy and David share real-world lessons on crop management and fungicide use, emphasizing how proactive decisions protect yield and reduce costly harvest setbacks. They dig into the realities of rising input costs and how to “finish the crop” for strong ROI, even when equipment prices s...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, record-yield growers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula unpack the real-world factors affecting today's farmers — from weather-related yield challenges to strategic use of cover crops. David discusses how unexpected late-season weather shifted corn hybrid plot results, while Tim Woodward shares how Southern growers are battling hard ground and low market prices during peanut and cotton harvests. The team also explores the impact of limited competition in ag markets and how it affects grower profitability.

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In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into surprising parallels between deer farming and row crop agriculture. Randy shares insights from his Michigan-based deer farm, Next Level Whitetails, exploring how science and nutrition drive antler growth — just like maximizing yield in corn and soybeans. Also in this episode: Tips on stress management and tick prevention for deer farmers and hunters. The importance of scouting and early pest detection, featuring a spotlight on Syngenta’s Durastak technology. Strategies for continual, measurable improvements on your farm.

🎧 Whether you're in the field or plan...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula tackle one of the biggest threats to your yield: crop disease. From early detection of Southern Rust and tar spot to maximizing kernel weight through strategic nutrition and management, this episode is packed with actionable insights to protect and improve your bottom line. Discover why ground rig fungicide applications outperform drones, how proactive tissue sampling can expose hidden vulnerabilities, and why building strong farmer networks like Total Acre can elevate your operation. Plus, learn why industry and academia need...

In this powerful episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive deep into the agronomic realities behind record-breaking yields—and why chasing bushels isn’t the ultimate goal. Instead, it’s all about maximizing profitability per acre through data-driven decisions, proactive management, and real-world field experience.

Randy and David break down what they’ve learned from walking thousands of acres, analyzing trial results, and talking with leading experts like Ken Berry. They reveal eye-opening insights—from a shocking 50-bushel yield swing due to planter variability, to widespread...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula sit down with Marion Calmer, a fourth-generation farmer, seasoned independent on-farm researcher, and founder of Calmer Corn Heads. Calmer shares how his innovative BT Chopper transforms residue management in no-till systems by accelerating cornstalk breakdown, improving soil health, and boosting nutrient cycling. The conversation dives into practical solutions for excessive residue, using stubble height to prevent blow-off, and addressing nutrient stratification to ensure phosphorus and potassium reach plant roots. Calmer also reflects on his passion for restoring vintage farm equipment, connecting modern innovations to the...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula unpack key agronomic lessons from recent field visits in Kentucky and Michigan—where heat stress and planter issues are top of mind. They break down persistent crop management challenges, including inconsistent planting depths and the impact of tight tassel wrap on corn performance. Learn how targeted fertility strategies like 2x2 and in-furrow applications can combat nutrient deficiencies, and why protecting critical leaves late in the season could be the difference between good and great yields. Whether you’re chasing records or improving margins, this episode will...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula dig deep into strategies that move the needle on farm profitability. From spreading risk with smart hybrid splits to proactively managing disease threats like tar spot, they share hands-on insights every farmer can apply. Discover why genetic observation matters, how cover crops improve soil health, and what advocacy efforts are keeping crop insurance strong. Whether you're chasing big yields or sustainable gains, this episode gives you the agronomic edge to break barriers on every acre.

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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 insi...

In this week’s episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into the latest agronomic strategies to help you achieve higher yields and better profits. Hear their insights on why experimenting with different farming practices — from precision planting to timely pest control — is key to overcoming unpredictable weather and boosting crop potential. Randy and David share actionable tips on effective late-stage nutrient applications, the critical role of water quality in spraying, and advanced soil health practices like strip tilling and cover cropping. They also highlight the long-term value...

In this insightful episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, David Hula is joined by farmers Caleb Wolters and Alex Harrell, the three share agronomic breakthroughs that challenge conventional thinking. They discuss how precision singulation during soybean planting can increase yields by up to 64%, highlight the latest advancements in drone spraying technology for cost-effective farming, and delve into the pivotal role of soil biology. Plus, they share practical insights from crop tours across multiple states and innovative grain storage solutions like grain bags for improved farm profitability and resilience.

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In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into the critical steps farmers must take to push boundaries in modern agriculture. Renowned for their record-breaking corn and soybean yields, the duo shifts the spotlight to their true mission—driving profit on every acre through data-driven, disciplined farming.

This week, they unpack the essentials of assessing yield potential, including tissue sampling and field blueprints, and explore how to adapt fundamentals in the face of volatile weather. They share success stories from farms in Georgia to Michigan, while also detailing unique challenges li...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we dig into the details that drive better yields—from optimizing planting equipment and closing systems to managing compaction and crop timing with GDUs. Hear real-world insights on strip tilling, nutrient placement, and why on-farm trials are key to farming smarter, not harder.

Lifelong farmers and founders of Total Acre, Randy Dowdy and David Hula share their Breaking Barriers agronomic insights to challenge farmers to think differently. While known for growing record-breaking corn and soybean yields, their primary focus is maximizing profits on every acre. Learn from the duo to focus on...

In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R and D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into the latest innovations shaping modern agriculture. From emerging technologies to ongoing challenges, they explore how today’s farmers are leveraging science and strategy to push yield boundaries. The duo breaks down the impact of seed depth and shares how data-driven planting strategies can unlock maximum yields.

Joining the conversation is Bryce Mericka, Total Acre’s Trial Data & Analytics Manager, who offers insight into how Total Acre is transforming the ag industry. Through their cutting-edge Yield Management Software (YMS), they’re empowe...

Welcome to the debut episode of "Breaking Barriers," a new podcast hosted by yield champions Randy Dowdy and David Hula. Breaking Barriers is all about giving growers timely, practical insights to increase profitability. In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Nebraska farmer Randy Hughes, who opens about how he manages pivots and water resources, and how the Total Acre program transformed his approach to fertility and tissue testing. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your inputs or just learn from other top producers, this episode is packed with real-world tips.

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