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.