Breaking Barriers with R&D

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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