Breaking Barriers with R&D

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

Breaking Barriers with R&D is a business podcast hosted by Farm Journal, with 33 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Farm Journal hosts Breaking Barriers with R&D, a business show with 33 episodes published.

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  Breaking Barriers with R&D

  Breaking Barriers with R&D: Is Your Corn Losing Yield Before Harvest?

  Aug 28, 202641 min

  Randy Dowdy and David Hula dive into the challenges farmers are seeing in the field, from long and drooping ear shanks to inconsistent planting depth and hybrid performance. They discuss why farmers should look beyond yield when selecting seed, the importance of planter setup and emergence, and how harvest timing, soybean maturity and desiccation can help protect yield and grain quality. Plus, the two share insights from recent field visits across the Midwest and Southeast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Breaking Barriers with R&D

  Breaking Barriers with R&D: Finding Lost Yield Before Harvest

  Aug 28, 202650 min

  Randy Dowdy and David Hula discuss what farmers should be looking for as harvest approaches, from inconsistent planting depth and weed pressure to disease, ear development, hybrid selection and crop stress.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  Breaking Barriers with R&D

  Breaking Barriers: The Secrets to Bigger Corn Yields & Healthier Soils

  Jul 31, 202653 min

  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.

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  Breaking Barriers with R&D

  Breaking Barriers: Stop Losing Soybean Yield - The Herbicide Mistake Costing Farmers

  Jul 17, 202650 min

  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.

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  Breaking Barriers with R&D

  Breaking Barriers with R&D: The Spray Application Debate Every Farmer Should Hear

  Jun 19, 202652 min

  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.

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