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Laura Barrera

Laura Barrera is the former managing editor of No-Till Farmer and Conservation Tillage Guide magazines. Prior to joining No-Till Farmer, she served as an assistant editor for a greenhouse publication. Barrera holds a B.A. in magazine journalism from Ball State University.

lbarrera@lesspub.com

Articles

ARTICLES

Boost No-Till Corn Yields With Better ‘P’ Placement

Using in-furrow application methods can help make phosphorus more available to growing corn and net more bushels for no-tillers, says researcher Jerry Wilhm.

By Laura Barrera posted on December 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management

Over the last several years, input expenses for no-tillers in general have increased by approximately 21%, and one of the highest-costing inputs is fertilizer.

Improved No-Till System Saves Seed, Soil And Nutrients

Veteran no-tiller Jeff Frey has found pairing manure and cover crops, updating his planter and using precision technology is a winning combination for his operation.

By Laura Barrera posted on December 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture

Future View Farm owner Jeff Frey may have pursued no-till back in the early 1970s for its time-saving benefits. But the impact it had on his sloping eastern Pennsylvania fields was what drove him to go to no-till full-time in the 1980s.

No-Till Soybean Specialists Find Profitable Market Niche

After conquering the high-management requirements, Illinois no-tillers Matt and Connie Hughes are successfully no-tilling soybeans for seed production and raising non-GMO varieties to capture rising premiums.

By Laura Barrera posted on November 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

Many no-tillers farming a typical corn-soybean rotation may focus their efforts into high-yielding crops. But one Illinois farm is seeing higher premiums, lower labor costs and more profits by focusing on soybeans.

Tips For Making No-Tilled Corn-On-Corn Successful

No-tillers and planter experts share their advice in working through tough corn residue and achieving good stands in continuous corn.

By Laura Barrera posted on November 1, 2013 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

Price advantages. Nutrient management. Increasing organic matter. Soil types. There are many reasons a no-tiller may decide to work with a corn-on-corn rotation, but continuous no-till corn isn’t absent of challenges.

Choosing Covers To Maximize Your No-Till Nitrogen Payback

Cover crops can prevent nitrogen losses during winter fallow, but no-tillers should be mindful of how carbon-to-nitrogen ratios in residue affects what’s available for the next crop.

By Laura Barrera posted on October 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops, Nutrient Management

Just because corn and soybeans have been harvested doesn’t mean it’s time for no-tillers to stop worrying about nutrient management.

‘Fencerow Farming’ Can Lead To Higher Yields, Better Soil Health

Dean Glenney’s 18 years of no-tilling attracted beneficial bacteria and increased his supply of ‘free’ fertilizer, creating record-breaking no-till corn yields in Ontario.

By Laura Barrera posted on October 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management, Soil Health

In Haldimand County, Ontario, about 40 miles west of Buffalo, N.Y., Dean Glenney is breaking records.

Tips For Making Radishes Part Of A Dynamic No-Till System

A great beginner’s cover crop, oilseed radishes can tap into underground nutrients, increase water-infiltration rates and ultimately help boost crop yields.

By Laura Barrera posted on September 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops

Since he started seeding radishes as cover crops 6 years ago, Illinois no-tiller Daniel Steidinger says higher yields and improved water infiltration are two major benefits he’s seen.

Making Cover Crops Work On 10,000 No-Tilled Acres

From continuing education to effective communication, Anson Family Farms co-owner Mark Anson shares tips for managing cover crops on a large-scale operation.

By Laura Barrera posted on September 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops

Three years ago, Monroe City, Ind., no-tiller Mark Anson had a life-changing experience.

Getting More Effective, Cost-Efficient Lime Applications

Soil tests, choosing the right lime and understanding soil variability can help no-tillers achieve the right pH levels and boost crop growth.

By Laura Barrera posted on August 1, 2013 | Posted in Nutrient Management

For some no-tillers, it’s a normal routine: a blanket-rate application of lime goes on and 4 years later the process is repeated.

Fine-Tune No-Till Drills For Better Cover Crop Seeding

Whether it’s getting cover-crop mixes seeded properly, or determining the right planting depth, equipment experts and no-tillers themselves offer tips on improving cover-crop seeding with no-till drills.

By Laura Barrera posted on August 1, 2013 | Posted in Cover Crops, Equipment

From airplanes and helicopters to highboy seeders, spreaders and planters, there are plenty of options for seeding cover crops. But many no-tillers prefer to use the tried-and-true no-till drills to seed covers.

View All Articles by Laura Barrera

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