Articles by Laura Barrera

Major System Change Leads to Higher Yields, Profitability

After adopting no-till 100% and an aggressive cover-crop program, Darrell Shover has watched his yield averages steadily increase, even during challenging weather conditions.

By Laura Barrera posted on June 11, 2016 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Cover Crops

Most growers prefer to test the waters before diving straight into 100% no-till with cover crops.

Scientists: Glyphosate Contributes to Phosphorus Runoff in Lake Erie

Low soil pH and certain metals are causing glyphosate to release phosphorus from the soil, which is responsible for about 25% of dissolved reactive phosphorus runoff in the Maumee watershed.

By Laura Barrera posted on June 11, 2016 | Posted in Crop Protection, Nutrient Management

Scientists now know that the increase in dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) runoff that’s been plaguing the western Lake Erie basin is mostly coming from farms located in the Maumee watershed.

From the Desk of Laura Barrera

What Can We Learn from the Top-Yielding No-Till Soybean Growers?

By Laura Barrera posted on May 31, 2016 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101

With Nasdaq reporting a jump in soybean futures last week, I took a look at the last three No-Till Operational Benchmark Studies to see what trends may exist among the highest-yielding no-till soybean growers.

From the Desk of Laura Barrera

What Can We Learn from Top-Yielding No-Till Corn Growers?

By Laura Barrera posted on May 17, 2016 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

I took a look at the last three No-Till Operational Benchmark Studies to see if there were any consistent results among the group of high-yielding corn growers that may be worth paying attention to.

June 2016 Poll: Timing of Corn Planting

By Laura Barrera posted on May 15, 2016 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

From May 16th - June 15th, we asked No-Till Farmer readers: "How do you feel about the timing of your corn planting this year?"

Filter System Removes ‘P’ from Dairy Manure While Retaining ‘N’

A manure treatment system under testing separates almost 100% of phosphorus from manure in a solid form, leaving a nitrogen-rich liquid ideal for fertigation.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 14, 2016 | Posted in Equipment, Nutrient Management

One of the biggest challenges facing no-tillers, or those who want to adopt no-till, is how to manage their system when they have livestock and want to apply manure.

Nailing Fertilizer Timing and Placement for No-Till Corn

Consider split nitrogen applications, nutrient needs and fertilizer banding for a more efficient and environmentally responsible fertilizer program.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 14, 2016 | Posted in Nutrient Management

With low grain prices and concerns of nutrient runoff impacting the local environment, a big focus for growers is improving fertilizer-use efficiency.

Making No-Till, Cover Crops a Success in Cool, Wet Climates

Through a series of experiments and trials, a Wisconsin agronomist is proving no-till and cover crops not only work, but offer proven benefits in northern climates.

By Laura Barrera posted on May 14, 2016 | Posted in No-Till Farming 101, Cover Crops, Equipment

Growing up in the Coon Creek Watershed of La Crosse County, Wis., where soil conservation originated, Jason Cavadini watched his family successfully adopt and commit to no-till on their farm for over 10 years.

From the Desk of Laura Barrera

Attack the Weed Seedbank to Control Resistant Waterhemp

By Laura Barrera posted on May 3, 2016 | Posted in Crop Protection

Effective burndown applications, paired with hand-pulling weeds and letting cover crops achieve a high amount of biomass, may be the key to beating herbicide-resistant waterhemp.

From The Desk of Laura Barrera

Have Patience Now for a Successful Corn Season

By Laura Barrera posted on April 19, 2016 | Posted in Seeding & Planting

While you may be itching to get into the fields, remember that planting sets the stage for the rest of the season, so make sure you’re planting in optimal conditions.

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