Breaking Barriers with R&D

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 insights to help you farm smarter, not harder.

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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 of improving soil biology and strategically timing fertilization for a more resilient farm. Don’t miss this masterclass on continual, measurable improvement — and discover the next steps for your farm’s success.

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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 like sudden frosts and fawn-raising in wet weather. The conversation tackles the economic pressure of rising input costs, strategies for entering non-GMO markets, and underscores the value of community support and mental health in agriculture.

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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 continual, measurable improvement on your farm.

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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 empowering growers nationwide with actionable data and powerful decision-making tools. 

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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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