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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.

Articles

ARTICLES

Deploy Cover Crops to Drop Your Herbicide Use

Steve Groff shares how planting green into a thick, tall stand of cover crops can help keep troublesome weeds under control while significantly reducing herbicide use.

By Laura Barrera posted on September 2, 2021 | Posted in Cover Crops, Crop Protection

What would you do if you couldn’t use glyphosate? That was the question posed to Steve Groff by a French farmer he was visiting.

How No-Tillers Can Combat the Evolution of Herbicide Resistance

Growing metabolism-based resistance is the greatest problem no-tillers will face with weed control, but effective use of herbicides, using multiple modes of action, and controlling the weed seed bank at harvest can all help.

By Laura Barrera posted on July 22, 2021 | Posted in Equipment, Crop Protection

2nd Annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study

No-Tillers Continuing Their Cover Crop Investment

Cover Crop Strategies’ exclusive benchmark study finds more growers dedicated to covers, reducing conventional tillage.

By Laura Barrera posted on July 21, 2021 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

In the 2nd Annual Cover Crop Benchmark Study published by Cover Crop Strategies, editors found that growers have remained relatively consistent in the management practices, motivations, challenges and expenses of their cover crop programs.

2014_Corn_Population_Study_—_Income_Minus_Seed_Costs.jpg

5 On-Farm Studies Help No-Tiller Measure Profitability and Calculate ROI

No-till veteran Marion Calmer explains how on-farm research has helped him determine the best row spacings, seeding populations, fertility and residue management programs for maximum profitability.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 2, 2021 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Residue Management, Nutrient Management

When Marion Calmer bought his first farm back in the 1980s, a quote attributed to British mathematician Lord Kelvin was top of mind: “We can’t improve on things we don’t measure or research.”

7 Strategies for Reducing Slug and Vole Problems

No-tillers can battle these two pests with scouting, sound planting practices, strategic cover crop management, the right field equipment and some help from predators.

By Laura Barrera posted on March 30, 2021 | Posted in Cover Crops, Crop Protection, No-Till Farming 101

While there are many benefits to long-term no-till and cover cropping, unfortunately, it is also a very stable environment for slugs and voles.

Focus on Biology for Better Soil Health

By Laura Barrera and Mark Parker posted on March 12, 2021 | Posted in Cover Crops, Residue Management, Nutrient Management, Soil Health, No-Till Farming 101

For farmers aiming for sustainable and profitable crop production, optimizing soil health and function is the ultimate endgame.

Strategies for Addressing Site-Specific Problems with Variable-Rate Seeding and Fertilizer

Kentucky no-tiller Mark Chapman shares his approach and best practices for implementing variable-rate technology to push yields in the places where it matters most.

By Laura Barrera posted on February 25, 2021 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Precision Ag

For decades Mark Chapman was aware of the differences within his fields but was unable to do anything about it. But that all changed once he was able to bring GPS onto the farm.

Should You Rely on Technology to Guide Your Nitrogen Decisions?

A soil scientist explains the accuracy of different nitrogen advisory tools, their limitations, and whether they’re likely to provide a return on investment.

By Laura Barrera posted on November 3, 2020 | Posted in Nutrient Management

NITROGEN (N) IS ONE of the biggest influencers on corn yield. In fact, University of Illinois plant physiologist Fred Below called it the second most important factor in his “Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World,” ranked just behind weather.

9 Tips for Succeeding with Cover Crops in the South

Four South Carolina growers share why they started cover cropping, the challenges they’ve faced and how the practice is helping them improve their soils.

By Laura Barrera posted on August 5, 2020 | Posted in Cover Crops, Soil Health

Jason Carter was always told that you can’t improve your soil organic matter in South Carolina. “You’re right, without cover crop, you can’t,” says the Eastover, S.C., no-tiller.

Should You Rotate Your Cover Crops? 4 Issues to Consider

Some covers planted back to back, year after year, can cause problems for no-tillers with root and soil diseases if selection and timing isn’t carefully managed, says Dave Robison.

By Laura Barrera posted on January 26, 2020 | Posted in Cover Crops, Crop Protection

Growers probably know crop rotation is a good thing as it helps prevent pests and disease, improves soil health and reduces fertilizer inputs — all of which can boost crop yields and the bottom line.

View All Articles by Laura Barrera

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2022 National No-Tillage Conference

Date: 01/04/22

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For more than a quarter of a century, the National No-Tillage Conference has been providing the practical tips and information you need to run a more successful no-till operation. In our 30th anniversary year, we’re ready to do it again as our event returns to beautiful downtown Louisville, Ky., at the legendary Galt House Hotel.

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