Breaking Barriers with R&D

Farm Journal

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

  1. 6h ago

    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 Dowdy and Hula discuss early corn harvest, soybean progress, irrigation challenges, and the importance of building soil fertility instead of relying solely on in-season foliar applications. They explain why investing in soil health and nutrient balance remains one of the best long-term strategies for maximizing yield and profitability. Later, Gabe Bethen from Pioneer joins the show to celebrate the company's centennial and preview the next generation of corn genetics. The discussion explores new breeding technologies, improved disease resistance, stronger stalks, enhanced yield stability, and how future hybrids are being developed to help farmers manage increasingly unpredictable weather and disease pressure. The episode wraps up with an update on tar spot, southern rust, and other late-season disease concerns, along with practical advice for protecting yield as corn harvest gets underway. Throughout the conversation, Randy & David emphasize that successful farming starts with healthy soils, sound agronomy, and adopting innovations that deliver long-term returns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Jul 17

    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 costing soybean yield potential, how tissue sampling reveals hidden crop stress, and why protecting early flowers is critical for maximizing returns. They also discuss southern rust preparedness, fungicide timing, spray coverage, irrigation challenges, planter performance, and emerging precision agriculture technologies. Whether you're managing soybeans, corn, or planning ahead for harvest, this episode is packed with practical agronomic insights to help you improve every acre and every decision. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Jun 19

    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 droplet size, spray drift, swath width, and canopy penetration. The conversation also covers weather challenges across the Corn Belt, crop conditions, disease pressure, and why proper application coverage can make or break returns in a tight-margin year. Whether you're considering drone applications or relying on traditional aerial spraying, this episode offers practical insights to help maximize every acre.   Learn More About Matt Crabbe Aviation Here: https://mattcrabbeaviation.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Jun 5

    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 crown health, the duo shares practical observations that could impact yield potential throughout the growing season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. May 22

    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 while visiting growers across Kentucky, Delaware, Georgia, and beyond. They discuss why uniform emergence remains one of the biggest drivers of profitability, how growers are adapting to dry conditions and changing weather patterns, and why attention to detail matters more than ever in today’s high-cost environment. Randy and David also break down in-season nitrogen strategies, the importance of protecting root systems, and how irrigation can be used as a management tool far beyond simply supplying water. Plus, the conversation touches on grower networking, learning from early adopters, managing crop stress during hot and cloudy conditions, and preparing for disease pressure later in the season. Whether you’re planting late, side-dressing nitrogen, or evaluating fungicide timing, this episode delivers practical insights to help farmers think differently and focus on measurable improvement across every acre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. May 8

    Breaking Barriers: How Better Combine Setup Saves Bushels and Fuel

    On this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula sit down with Todd Dale of Estes Performance Concaves for an in-depth conversation about combine performance, harvest efficiency, and protecting yield potential. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Apr 27

    Breaking Barriers: Weather Impacts on Planting and Yield Potential

    In this episode of Breaking Barriers with R&D, Randy Dowdy and David Hula break down the harsh reality farmers are facing across the country right now—extreme weather swings that are already impacting the 2026 crop. From severe drought in the South to flooded fields in the North, this season is shaping up to be a story of “haves and have-nots.” With some growers stopping planting altogether due to dry conditions, while others are battling excess moisture, the challenges are stacking up fast. Despite the uncertainty, the message is clear: control what you can early, and adjust as the season unfolds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Apr 13

    Breaking Barriers: It's Not A Race To Get It Done, It's A Race To Do Get It Done Correctly

    In this episode of Breaking Barriers, Randy Dowdy and David Hula challenge farmers to rethink traditional practices and focus on what truly drives performance and profitability. Too often, operations fall into routine—doing things the way they’ve always been done. But the most successful farmers separate themselves by being intentional, disciplined, and data-driven in every decision they make. Randy and David dig into the importance of proactive management, dialing in input efficiency, and focusing on return on investment—not just yield. They also emphasize the power of mindset, accountability, and eliminating excuses by concentrating on controllable factors. The episode reinforces that success isn’t about one big change—it’s about stacking small, consistent improvements that compound over time into major gains. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See All (33)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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

Information

You Might Also Like