Breaking Barriers with R&D

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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.