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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Agronomists Worry Moisture Deficits Will Contribute To Herbicide Carryover

While you can’t make Mother Nature send rain, you can review crop-rotation restrictions on chemistries you applied last year. Knowing that information can guide what crop you plant where this spring.

January 29, 2024 03:13 PM

Rhonda Brooks

314 Bu. Corn Yield Uses Only 7" of Rain to Score Big Win in Minnesota

David Heublein won the conventional, non-irrigated category of the 2023 NCGA yield contest for the state. The amazing yield was grown with only one-third of the total rainfall his fields usually get in a growing season.

January 23, 2024 04:07 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: Farmer Asks How to Use Red Clover as a Cover to Reduce Nitrogen Rates and Costs

Red clover can fix nitrogen, suppress weeds and improve crop yields. Based on test plot research in Illinois, a good stand of red clover can provide between 50 and 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre.

January 10, 2024 02:58 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Exclusive: Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Shares Her Vision For The U.S., Agriculture

AgriTalk has extended an invitation to all the 2024 presidential hopefuls to join Host Chip Flory and answer five standard questions about what they would focus on once in office.

January 09, 2024 01:26 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Seed Impact Mill Technology Hammers Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

Harvest weed seed control systems have a hefty price tag, but some farmers and researchers say they are a good investment and provide a ROI, especially where resistant weeds are taking over and control options are few.

January 09, 2024 10:38 AM

Rhonda Brooks

New Ways To Address Healthcare Issues Are Needed For Rural Americans

From improved telehealth services to reimagined small-town hospitals, the National Rural Health Association is working to help folks in farm country tap into more and better medical care options.

January 09, 2024 08:36 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Ferrie: No-Till Farmer Asks at What Depth to Pull Soil Samples?

Growers can benefit from evaluating the dispersion of N, P and K and pH levels in no-till fields. Often, there is a drop off in soil fertility levels in no-till soils once below the three-inch mark.

December 22, 2023 04:30 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Soybean Seed Treatments Can Be ‘Low-Hanging Fruit for Yields’

Not every product will deliver a positive return-on-investment. But some will and are worth trying out on your farm this season--especially if you’re planting early soybeans, says Illinois Sales Agronomist Kris Ehler.

December 12, 2023 03:17 PM

Rhonda Brooks

aerial drone photos of corn harvest John Deere combine shelling sunset farmland land - By Lindsey Pound

Look to ‘Pay Top Dollar for the Right Farm’ in 2024

In October, USDA said the average value of U.S. cropland (irrigated and nonirrigated) was $5,460 an acre in 2023--an increase of 8.1% from 2022. High-quality ground is selling for two to three times that.

December 11, 2023 03:31 PM

Rhonda Brooks

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Fed Eyes Interest-Rate Cuts for 2024 as U.S. Economy Slows

Analysts say an initial cut could be made as early as first quarter 2024. One of the key factors the central banking system will consider is whether its inflation rate target of 2% has been achieved.

December 06, 2023 01:14 PM

Rhonda Brooks