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

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of the new Syngenta facility. Warren Kruger, head of field crops seeds development for North America did the honors. With him, from left to right, are Erik Fyrwald, CEO, Syngenta Group; Eric Boeck, regional director North American seeds; Trevor Hohls, global head of seeds development; and Justin Wolfe, president global seeds.

Syngenta Unveils New Seeds Research-and-Development Innovation Center

Some of the research now underway at the facility is focused on improving germplasm performance, launching stacked, next-generation differentiated traits and demonstrating regenerative agriculture cropping systems.

August 15, 2023 03:32 PM

Rhonda Brooks

High-Quality Farmland Is Still Inching Up In Price Across 18 States

A mid-year report from Farmers National shows land values are increasing by single digits instead of the double digits common in 2021-22. But the company says it has a strong roster of listings headed into late summer.

August 09, 2023 08:56 AM

Rhonda Brooks

‘Reckless Spending’ is Putting U.S. Fiscal Health at Risk, Analyst Says

A market analyst shared a gloomy outlook for the country on Thursday, saying the U.S. balance sheet and financial condition have been deteriorating significantly over the last decade. He expects more of the same ahead.

August 07, 2023 11:38 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Phytophthora root rot in Ilinois soybeans

Phytophthora Root Rot Grabs the Spotlight in Soybeans

The increased incidence of the disease this year in the Midwest has to do with the extremely hot, dry weather followed by heavy precipitation events farmers received in June and July.

August 04, 2023 12:01 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Farmers Seize Market Opportunities but Concerned about Rising Interest Rates

Sixty-five percent of farmers surveyed in July expect interest rates to climb in the next 12 months. On a positive note, 7 out of 10 said they expect farmland cash rental rates to remain roughly the same for 2024.

August 03, 2023 09:01 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Farm bill - capitol - grain system - soybean field - corn field - By Lindsey Pound

Senators Look To Rein-In Abuse Of Farm Payment System

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Sherrod Brown have introduced the Farm Program Integrity Act. It would create a cap of $250,000 in commodity support for a single farm operation and, potentially, some undesirable side effects.

August 03, 2023 06:43 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Ferrie: Give Corn A ‘Big Push’ With Better Nutrient Allocation

Using the same amount of fertilizer -- but at different times and more than one way during the season -- can help you harvest more bushels and improve your bottom line. Check out our two brief videos to learn more.

July 28, 2023 01:31 PM

Rhonda Brooks

High Humidity a Contributing Factor in Tar Spot Outbreaks

Farmers can use humidity charts for their area to assess when the disease could hit their corn crop as well as the optimum time to make a fungicide application, says Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Associate Field Agronomist.

July 26, 2023 11:23 AM

Rhonda Brooks

$100 an Acre Herbicide Costs Won’t be Unusual Next Season

On the low end, expect to invest at least $50 an acre in the Midwest and $85 in the South for products. Some corn and soybean farmers are evaluating adjuvants and management practices that could help trim expenses.

July 20, 2023 02:31 PM

Rhonda Brooks

3 Trends that Will Drive the Food System of the Future

The food system is being reimagined today and farmers can benefit by thinking about how to improve their ability to take advantage of opportunities in the process, says Rob Dongoski with Ernst and Young.

July 20, 2023 01:30 PM

Rhonda Brooks