Lexington, KY – August 22, 2025 – For more than a decade, David Hula’s name has been synonymous with record-breaking yields. Yet if you ask him, the real story is about the people and partnerships that made it possible. On the Main Stage at Farm Progress, Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CST, Hula will be honored with the Decade of Dominance Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in collaboration with Total Acre, BRANDT, John Deere, Pioneer, Valley Irrigation, and BASF.
The award recognizes Hula’s unmatched run as NCGA National Corn Yield Champion from 2014–2024, highlighted by his world record of 623 bushels per acre in 2023. For Hula, however, these milestones reflect more than individual achievement. They are the result of shared vision, trust, and the relentless work of many.
“It Takes a Village” Approach to Farming
“I’m humbled to receive this recognition,” Hula shared. “But success on the farm is never a one-man show. There are no silver bullets in farming. It takes a village of trusted advisors, innovative companies, and a willingness to work together to improve every single day. The partnerships I’ve built with John Deere, Pioneer, Valley Irrigation, BRANDT, BASF, and so many others have been instrumental in pushing our farm forward. We can’t control the weather or the markets, but we can choose who we work with, and I’ve been blessed to partner with some of the best people in the Agriculture Industry.”
Through these partnerships, Hula has integrated next-generation hybrids, precision equipment, tailored fertility programs, and irrigation innovations into his Virginia operation along the James River. More importantly, these collaborations have fostered a culture of curiosity, problem-solving, and shared learning that extends far beyond his own farm.
Mentor, Educator, and Ambassador for Agriculture
Hula’s impact is not limited to his own yields. He is widely recognized as a mentor to farmers nationwide and a passionate Ambassador for Agriculture. His reputation rests not only on striving for excellence in his own fields but also on sharing the “how” and “why” behind his management decisions with any farmer eager to learn.
Alex Harrell, a world record soybean grower, reflected on their relationship: “One of the greatest parts of being in the Total Acre program has been getting to know David Hula. His constant drive to redefine what’s possible in yield has been inspiring to me, but even more impactful has been his willingness to openly share his vast knowledge with other growers. David has been both a friend and a mentor, pushing me to think differently and helping me continue to grow in my own operation.”
From conference stages to in-field crop tours, Hula has spoken to audiences across the country. Since the inception of the Total Acre program, he has been a cornerstone of grower education—walking fields, answering questions face-to-face, and sharing both his successes and challenges. His openness has helped countless farmers strengthen their own operations and inspired them to reach for new heights.
Partners Reflect on the Journey
Those who have worked alongside Hula describe him as both a collaborator and a catalyst for innovation.
“It has been a privilege to work closely with David over the past few years,” said Bill Engel of BRANDT. “He is a true student of the crop, constantly challenging all of us to improve our products and practices. More importantly, David freely shares his wealth of knowledge with other growers, helping them enhance their own operations and raise the bar for the entire industry.”
Scott Walker of Pioneer echoed that sentiment. “David is a curious, lifelong learner who has helped push Pioneer’s genetic limits beyond what we thought possible. He’s a tremendous ambassador for agriculture.”
Valley Irrigation added that Hula exemplifies intentional use of technology, leveraging pivots and moisture sensors to maximize yield while also practicing responsible land stewardship. This balance of innovation and responsibility represents the kind of leadership agriculture needs today.
A Shared Celebration
During the Farm Progress Show presentation, representatives from each supporting company will share their own stories of working with David, recalling challenges faced, innovations inspired, and friendships formed along the way.
For Hula, the honor is as much about the journey as the results. “We set goals, we work hard, we keep learning, and we do it together. That’s how great things happen.”
The agricultural community is invited to join in celebrating David Hula’s legacy and contributions to industry. Don’t miss the Decade of Dominance Lifetime Achievement Award presentation on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. CST on the Farm Progress Show Main Stage.