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

Retail Business

‘Overly Tight Tassel Wrap’ Is Affecting Pollination In Corn

So far, the problem has been confirmed in four states. Agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout crops, estimate yield impacts in affected fields and determine whether to make adjustments to marketing plans.

July 15, 2025 05:19 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Retail Business

2025 Farm Journal Corn and Soybean College: Making A Stand

This year’s program features all new agronomic content to help farmers grow and harvest high-yielding crops. Two of the key sessions: selecting a corn planter that’s right for your farm, and developing a systems approach to success with early-season soybeans. We look forward to seeing you there!

July 14, 2025 05:37 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Retail Industry

USDA Ends Consideration of Race, Gender in Many Farm Programs

The new rule is part of the Trump administration’s directives to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the federal government.

July 11, 2025 10:43 AM

Rhonda Brooks

In 2019, foliar fungicide use in the Michigan test plots increased yield by 3.47 bu. to 4.7 bu. per acre versus the control.

New Products

Are You Planning a Foliar Fungicide Application in Soybeans?

Many early-planted soybeans in the Midwest are in the R2 to R3 growth stages now, ideal treatment timing for most disease issues. Agronomists offer three reminders to help you make the call — plus a fourth tip on herbicide rescue treatments.

July 10, 2025 11:47 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Retail Industry

Is This The Starting Point for A New Farm Bill?

The thought in some ag circles is that the One Big Beautiful Bill is a farm bill prototype or laying the groundwork for its development. Farmers and Sen. John Boozman weigh in with their perspectives.

July 09, 2025 07:39 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Retail Industry

Flying High and Digging Deep — Precision Ag from the Sky to the Soil

Farmers and aerial applicators tell Randy Dowdy and David Hula some of the key considerations for effective fungicide applications are timing, droplet size and product reach in the crop canopy.

July 09, 2025 02:47 PM

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.

Retail Training

Ferrie: Corn Growers are on High Alert for Tar Spot

Unlike most leaf diseases, tar spot starts impacting the crop at the bottom of plants. That means fungicides you apply must penetrate and get deep into the crop canopy to provide effective treatment. If you opt to not treat the disease, consider making plans to harvest early and pre-booking some dryer gas.

July 08, 2025 02:47 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Weather

Parched: More Than 25% of the U.S. Is Experiencing Drought Conditions

That percentage doesn’t tell the complete story, however. While farmers in the West and southeast Texas have endured weeks of dry conditions that’s not been the case in the central Corn Belt where growing conditions have been excellent.

July 02, 2025 03:51 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Retail Industry

Beck’s Hybrids Expands Seed Production Footprint, Acquires Nebraska Facility from Syngenta

Scott Beck says the family-owned business markets seed corn in 23 states now, with Nebraska ranking fifth in the total volume of seed units sold. Once finalized, this latest acquisition will be the company’s furthest west production facility.

July 02, 2025 11:53 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Retail Industry

Kansas Wheat Yields, Quality Take A Hit From Disease Complex

Wheat streak mosaic virus decimated some fields this season, say K-State Extension specialists. The problem is also showing up and expanding in other key wheat-producing states. What farmers do this fall will determine whether the disease is reined in or takes off again next season.

July 02, 2025 08:38 AM

Rhonda Brooks