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

Ground Beef Tests Negative for H5N1, says USDA-APHIS

USDA-FSIS said it collected 30 samples from “states with dairy cattle herds that had tested positive for the H5N1 influenza virus at the time of sample collection.” No virus particles were found to be present.

May 02, 2024 10:46 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Tough broadleaf weed escapes stand out in a field of Missouri soybeans.

7 Steps to Better Post-Herbicide Weed Control In Soybeans

Iowa State University Extension research shows weeds not controlled after the V2 growth stage can reduce yields by up to 1% per day. Uncontrolled weeds can also contribute to harvest difficulties and weed seed banks.

May 01, 2024 09:23 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Trouble In Turn Rows: Prevent Weeds From Flourishing In Headlands

Be diligent to keep pesky and invasive weeds out of your field boundaries. Otherwise, those weeds can produce seed and drift to additional acres in future years.

May 01, 2024 09:04 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.

Ferrie: With Poor Quality A Concern, Hold Back Some Seed Corn

Ken Ferrie says 37% of seed corn samples he’s reviewed fall below good quality levels; 11% fall into the poor category. He advises retaining 2 lb. of each questionable lot until stand establishment can be evaluated.

April 29, 2024 05:06 PM

Rhonda Brooks

A Message to the Ag Industry about H5N1

The livestock industry needs a comprehensive, cohesive plan to address the virus. Producers, their employees and veterinarians need clear answers and support from U.S. agricultural leadership, moving forward.

April 26, 2024 03:49 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Planting corn with starter fertilizer - Lindsey Pound

How to Calculate Growing Degree Days (Simple Formula)

Growing degree days (GDDs) are a more reliable method to predict corn emergence and development than calendar days. Start calculating GDDs daily the day after planting. Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie explains.

April 22, 2024 03:07 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Chilled seed corn struggles to emerge and grow. It can cost you 10% of your stand, says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.

Just Chillin’ Sounds Fun but it’s Hard on Seed Corn

Don’t let the rush to plant cause you to be filled with regret and utter these five words at some point: “I wish I had waited.” Chilled seed corn struggles to emerge and grow. It can cost you 10% of your stand.

April 17, 2024 03:16 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Unlike traditional crop insurance, whole farm provides a risk management safety net for all commodities on the farm under one insurance policy.

Crop Insurance Affordability at Heart of FARMER Act

More than 20 farm groups support the new Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience Act. The bill does not require choosing between enhanced crop insurance coverage and commodity support programs.

April 17, 2024 08:21 AM

Rhonda Brooks

New CoBank Report says Federal Reserve is on the ‘Horns of a Dilemma’

Unrelenting inflation continues to weigh down the U.S. economy and agriculture. Still, CoBank says it believes the Fed will stick with its decision to cut interest rates three times in 2024.

April 16, 2024 10:47 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Retail Industry

C-Suite Q&A: Soil Sleuth

Paul Bonnett joined Nutrien Ag Solutions in 2019 as senior director of agronomic solutions. He leads the company’s agronomy and environmental sciences efforts across North America and also manages Waypoint Analytical.

April 15, 2024 03:30 PM

Rhonda Brooks