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 planning next season, this episode delivers practical insights to help you break barriers and boost profits — one acre at a time.

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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 to step up their game in disease communication.

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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 hybrid ear shank issues that are forcing growers to rethink their seed choices. They also spotlight underestimated threats like southern rust and tar spot—and explain how ignoring these diseases could be costing you more than you realize.

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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 deep-rooted traditions of agriculture.

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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 help you think differently and farm more precisely.

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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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