Breaking Barriers with R&D

Farm Journal
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  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Contributors and lifelong farmers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula, share their Breaking Barriers agronomic insights that challenge farmers to think differently.  

  1. MAR 30

    Breaking Barriers: High-Yield Secrets, Family Traditions & Farming for Profit

    This episode blends technical farming strategies with personal stories from the field. Randy shares the pride and connection built through his son Easton’s hunting success, highlighting the importance of family traditions alongside farm life. David breaks down the precision practices behind high yields, including tissue sampling, early stand establishment, and overcoming equipment challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min

  2. MAR 16

    Breaking Barriers: Farming Profitably in the Age of Rising Inputs

    In this episode of Breaking Barriers, lifelong farmers and Total Acre founders Randy Dowdy and David Hula share practical agronomic insights designed to challenge farmers to think differently about productivity and profitability. While widely recognized for producing record-breaking corn and soybean yields, their true focus is maximizing profit on every acre through continual, measurable improvement.  Randy and David tackle the realities of modern farming—from the frustrations and occasional wins of new technology to the mounting pressure of rising input costs like seed, fertilizer, and equipment. The episode dives deep into the advantages of strip-till systems, sharing real-world experiences with soybeans, cover crops, fertilizer placement, and equipment setups that improve efficiency in challenging field conditions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 min

  3. FEB 23

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

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

  4. FEB 6

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

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min

  5. JAN 26

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

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min

  6. JAN 12

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

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    58 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    Breaking Barriers with R&D: Innovations Shaping American Agriculture's Future

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    55 min

  8. 12/08/2025

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

    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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
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5
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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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