Articles by Laura Barrera

Tweaks, Experiments Lead To Successful No-Till Transition

Whether it’s running four different sets of closing wheels, integrating precision technology or reviving soil fertility, Paul Butler is always looking for ways to improve his no-till operations.

By Laura Barrera posted on June 1, 2014 | Posted in Equipment

When Paul Butler once considered the cost of all the equipment he’d need to get into farming, he didn’t think it was possible — until neighboring no-tiller Jeff Martin suggested no-till.

Yield Contest Winner Pushes Bushels With Focus On Fertility

Nebraska no-tiller Mike Scholting shares how zeroing in on fertilizer applications is increasing yields both on and off his contest ground.

By Laura Barrera posted on June 1, 2014 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Nutrient Management, Water Management

Just south of Omaha, on 33 acres of flat river-bottom ground in Sarpy County, Mike Scholting is hitting nearly 300-bushel corn yields.

Laura Allen, Associate Editor, No-Till Farmer

From the Desk of Laura Allen

Spring Teaches Key No-Till Lesson

By Laura Barrera posted on May 21, 2014 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

Some growers may have chosen to ignore cold, wet weather this spring and plant by the calendar. But McCutchenville, Ohio, no-tiller Bret Margraf wasn’t among them.

June 2014 Poll: Glyphosate Resistance

By Laura Barrera posted on May 16, 2014 | Posted in Crop Protection

From May 16th - June 15th, we asked No-Till Farmer readers: "Will concerns about glyphosate resistance cause you to apply less glyphosate in 2014?"

From the Desk of Laura Allen

No-Tillers Take Precautions With Rise In Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds

By Laura Barrera posted on May 7, 2014 | Posted in Crop Protection

Palmer amaranth, kochia, marestail, you name it — populations of glyphosate-resistant weeds are popping up more frequently, and it looks like no-tillers are taking note of it.

8 Tips For Fine Tuning No-Till Planter Performance

No-till planter specialist Dave Dum shares how to properly adjust and maintain some of the key no-till planter parts that will help accomplish a better stand and lead to higher yields.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 1, 2014 | Posted in Equipment, Precision Agriculture

If seed isn't planted correctly, no-tillers can expect to lose yield before the crop even emerges from the ground. Achieving high-yielding crops begins with a planter that is properly equipped, maintained and adjusted for field conditions.

‘ECO’ Farming Revives Soil, Boosts Bottom Line

Combining cover crops with no-till turned Jeff Rasawehr’s fields into a healthy, productive system that’s provided higher yields, less nutrient runoff and a $200-per-acre profit boost.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 1, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

There was a time when Jeff Rasawehr was struggling to make no-tilled corn work on his western Ohio farm.

Bird's Eye View Shows Corn Belt Productivity

By Laura Barrera posted on April 16, 2014 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

If you no-till in the U.S. Corn Belt, you’re growing some of the most productive plants in the world. According to NASA and university scientists, the Midwest boasts more photosynthetic activity during the Northern Hemisphere’s growing season than any other spot on Earth.

Safeguarding Profits And The Environment

By Laura Barrera posted on April 2, 2014 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health, Water Management

No-tillers in the Ohio River Basin may have an opportunity to put a few extra dollars in their pockets while helping protect the environment.

Precision, Covers, Planter Tweaks Piece Together No-Till Success

Ohio no-tillers Steve and Doug Longfellow are saving inputs, improving soils and hiking yields on their heavy clay fields by building a complete no-till system.

By Laura Barrera posted on April 1, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops, Precision Agriculture, Soil Health

After taking a gradual approach to adopting no-till on their Ohio farm 20 years ago, Steve Longfellow and his son, Doug, are finding success by adding more pieces to the puzzle.

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Sustainable Agriculture Summit Shines Light on No-Till, Strip Till & Cover Crops

During the Sustainable Agriculture Summit in Minneapolis, Minn., Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, the president of Field to Market who also farms in Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio, shared why it is important for no-tillers and strip-tillers to share their knowledge with other farmers.

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