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

USDA Says Trade Efforts Are Working to Build Markets Abroad

The agency says exports picked up steam this year in countries such as Canada, India and Japan and that the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program will keep the wheels of progress turning in 2024.

November 21, 2023 02:26 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: Picking Corn Hybrids For 2024? Here Are Five Tips

For a lot of farmers, 2023 was a tough growing season and Mother Nature didn’t cooperate. But don’t let that drive your seed-selection process for next year. Consider these five recommendations instead.

November 21, 2023 08:36 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Fertilizer Relay System Gives Corn a Big Push Out of the Gate

If you value the benefits starter fertilizer offers, you might like the performance of a starter fertilizer relay system even more. Farm Journal Test Plot data show a relay system + 2x2 placement = $36 per acre ROI.

November 15, 2023 04:24 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Treat Sulfur Like a Macronutrient in Corn to Boost Yields

With organic matter above 3.5%, do you need to worry about applying sulfur? Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist, is seeing financially positive responses. He shares several sulfur options to consider.

November 14, 2023 09:11 PM

Rhonda Brooks

how low can you go with soybean planting population

With Soybean Planting Populations, How Low Can You Go?

Highly productive areas with adequate soil moisture are where you can usually trim seeding populations, says Matt Duesterhaus, Crop-Tech Consulting agronomist. He offers seven additional recommendations.

November 14, 2023 08:33 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Hybrid Selection: The More You Know

From the roots up, Beck’s Hybrids and AgriGold promise new ways to talk about how to grow corn.

November 14, 2023 01:41 PM

Rhonda Brooks

New Legislation Looks To Connect Farmland And Ranchland To Broadband

The Last Acre Act would help expand high-speed internet access across eligible farmland, ranchland and farm sites. At least 15% of farms and ranches have no access to the internet today.

November 10, 2023 09:39 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Soybean field soybeans sunset - Lindsey Pound

Are 100-Bushel Soybean Yield Averages On The Horizon?

Illinois farmer Ryan Myers has increased his 60-bushel-per-acre yield average to 70-plus-bushel averages in just three years. How? By focusing on the details from variety selection to in-season management.

November 09, 2023 10:08 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Election 2024 Is Shaping Up To Be A Doozy

While voters are casting ballots today, they’re also looking ahead. A Biden-Trump presidential race rematch is currently forecast, but their ages, economic turmoil at home and conflicts abroad are weighty concerns.

November 07, 2023 12:49 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ferrie: Four Steps to Make Sure NH3 Applications Stay in the Ground

Moisture availability is one of the biggies to check out, says Ken Ferrie. He also details some upcoming agronomic events, like his Beyond The Basics five-part webinar series and the virtual Corn & Soybean College.

November 02, 2023 11:53 AM

Rhonda Brooks