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Rhonda Brooks

Agronomy Editor, Farm Journal

Rhonda Brooks is the Agronomy Editor for Farm Journal and AgWeb, covering all aspects of crop production. A Missouri native with a background in agricultural communications, she has previously worked on multiple Farm Journal brands.

Latest Stories
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R5 Growth Stage Holds Hidden Yield Potential
There is still up to 55% of the kernel dry weight left to be accumulated by many corn hybrids at this point — starch that can contribute significantly to grain fill and higher test weights.
August 20, 2025 10:50 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Four Pro Tips To Help You Harvest More Soybeans
Marion Calmer is renown for his corn harvesting innovations. The fourth-generation Illinois farmer also has a wealth of practical knowledge about how to take more beans to the bin — and freely shares some of his insights and ideas here.
August 18, 2025 01:07 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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West Nile Virus Activity Spikes to 20-Year High in the Midwest
Elevated levels of the disease are trending currently, and are of ‘serious concern’ over the next eight weeks, say researchers.
August 14, 2025 03:03 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Graphic for Boots in the Field Report with agronomist Ken Ferrie who has spent over 40 years helping farmers maximize corn and soybean yields.
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Ken Ferrie: Central Illinois Corn Yields Look Close To 5-Year Average
With at least four weeks left in the growing season, Ferrie encourages farmers to stay ahead of heavy disease pressure in fields, particularly in what he calls D hybrids — those that punch their yield card late-season.
August 14, 2025 12:31 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Analyst Flags Potential Overshoot in Corn Yield Estimate And Why It Matters
One concern cited is that USDA tends to aim too high with its August yield estimates, based on what the data shows from the past decade. The other concern is how strong demand will be, given corn carryover projections.
August 13, 2025 03:56 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Gorgeous Corn Crop Masks A Tough Reality For Central Illinois Growers
Corn yield estimates in seven counties surrounding the community of Bloomington indicate farmers there will harvest an average crop, at best. That’s counter to what USDA predicts for Illinois yield results statewide.
August 12, 2025 04:00 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Southern Rust Has Infected Iowa Corn in ‘Likely Every County’
The extent of the disease in the state is the worst one ISU Extension pathologist says she has ever seen. Farmers in 17 other states have also confirmed the disease.
August 11, 2025 03:42 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Picking Short Hybrids For 2026? Why Leaf Structure Is An Important Trait
Short-stature corn is often planted at higher populations because its architecture allows for better light interception and more efficient use of resources when plants are grown closer together. But that’s not always the case, according to Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.
August 11, 2025 01:46 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Retail Industry
Silver Linings: Farmers Share What’s Gone Right & Wrong This Season
Camaraderie is cathartic. It lifts spirits, gives encouragement and reminds all of us we are valuable. Check out what farmers have to say about this year’s corn crop – the good, the bad and the in-between – and may their experiences lighten your load in the process.
August 08, 2025 11:13 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
Broadleaf weeds
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Artificial Intelligence Joins The Fight Against Weeds, Insects And Disease
A crop-protection startup is using AI and machine learning to identify and develop new active ingredients it says will help farmers solve issues like weed resistance faster and more economically.
August 07, 2025 02:42 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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