Articles by Laura Barrera

Crop Diversity, Precision Technology Push No-Till Further

Seeing the potential for more than just erosion control, Ohio growers Bret and Gene Margraf overhauled their no-till system by adding wheat and cover crops, variable-rate seeding and fertility and split-nitrogen applications.

By Laura Barrera posted on November 1, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops, Precision Agriculture

Thirteen thousand pounds of residue sounds like a lot to manage, but on Bret Margraf's farm it's not something to worry about.

Livestock, Cover Crops Take No-Till Soils, Profits To New Levels

No-tillers looking to improve soil health and biology, and diversify their sources of income should consider integrating cover crops and rotational grazing of livestock to get the most benefit for their buck.

By Laura Barrera posted on November 1, 2014 | Posted in Seeding & Planting, Soil Health

The changes that transformed Russell Hedrick's no-till farm began somewhat innocently a few years ago, when he asked his NRCS conservationist for suggestions on suppressing winter weeds and controlling erosion.

Better No-Tilling, Fertility Plans Could Help Clean Up Watersheds

No-tillers and consultants discuss what can be done to preserve more phosphorus in the soil and reduce nutrient-loading issues in Lake Erie’s western basin and other waterways.

By Laura Barrera posted on November 1, 2014 | Posted in Water Management

On Aug. 2, the city of Toledo, Ohio, issued a notice to a half-million residents not to drink or boil the water, after two sample readings for microcystin - a toxin produced by blue-green algae - tested in excess of the recommended "not drink" standard at Toledo's Collin Park Water Treatment Plant.

Poll

Herbicide Applications to 2015 Planned Crop Acreage

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

From October 16th - November 15th, we asked No-Till Farmer readers: "Did you or will you make herbicide applications this fall to any of your planned crop acreage for 2015?"

Laura Allen, Associate Editor, No-Till Farmer

Let’s Quit The Blame Game And Look For Innovative Solutions

By Laura Barrera posted on October 15, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health, Water Management

While there continues to be some finger pointing over who’s responsible for the increase in harmful algal blooms, some growers are quitting the blame game to focus on how they can be a part of the solution.

Reaching 300-Bushel Plateau With Irrigation, Reduced Tillage

Contest winner Heath Schake shares how he pushes strip-till corn yields with high populations, accurate seeding, proper fertility and irrigation.

By Laura Barrera posted on October 1, 2014 | Posted in Strip-Till Farming

High populations, good fertility and a little luck from Mother Nature are the three key ingredients Heath Schake has found for contest-winning corn yields.

Show Features Cutting-Edge Equipment, Inputs To Make No-Tilling Work Better

Planting and seeding efficiency, residual herbicides and precision agriculture were among the highlights of the 2014 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa.

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

A contingent of No-Till Farmer editors descended on the recent 2014 Farm Progress Show to learn about the latest machines and inputs that could help boost yields and profits for no-tillers.

Five Tips For Managing Corn Residue At Harvest

By Laura Barrera posted on October 1, 2014 | Posted in Residue Management

It’s often said that a successful season in a no-till system starts with last season’s harvest.

Diversity, Technology Boost Fertility Use, Crop Performance

Working in the Lake Erie watershed with heavy clay soils, no-tillers Les and Jerry Seiler are increasing productivity with their dedication to no-till, crop diversity and precision technology.

By Laura Barrera posted on September 29, 2014 | Posted in Cover Crops

There are approximately 60 different soil types in Fulton County, and brothers Les and Jerry Seiler say they no-till crops in about 37 of them.

From the Desk of Laura Allen

Keep Compaction Under Control This Harvest

By Laura Barrera posted on September 17, 2014 | Posted in Soil Health

The season is winding down and now’s the time to keep in mind that current actions can have an impact on future crop success.

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No-Till Legend Concerned About Corn Profits in 2024

On this episode of Conservation Ag Update, brought to you by Martin Industries, Vincennes, Ind., no-tiller Ray McCormick explains why it’s going to be tough to “not lose a lot of money this year” on corn. Plus, we ask our readers, “On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about drought this year?” Hear why some farmers are worried, and why others aren’t very worried at all.

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