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

Graphic for Boots in the Field Report with agronomist Ken Ferrie who has spent over 40 years helping farmers maximize corn and soybean yields.

Untreated Soybeans Face Uphill Battle To Emerge Unscathed by Cold Soil Conditions

When soybean seed sits in the ground for weeks, unable to germinate, the risk for Sudden Death Syndrome to develop trends higher. Yield losses upwards of 80% are documented.

April 21, 2023 08:15 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Ferrie: Off to the Planting Races for Corn and Soybeans

Both crops get a green light for planting this Wednesday and maybe even for Tuesday in central Illinois. Ferrie says let soil conditions, moisture and local weather forecasts drive your planting and tillage decisions.

April 10, 2023 03:02 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ferrie: 5 Ways to Stop Early-Season Pests and Insects Now

Cutworm and armyworm moths are on the move, looking to lay eggs. Wireworms, grubs, flea beetles, gophers and voles are also looking to take up residence in your fields. Act now to stop them.

April 06, 2023 04:36 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn Rootworm Beetle Counts Forecast Problems For 2023

Farmers in Iowa and parts of Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin and South Dakota are in the “red zone” for CRW pressure this season.

April 04, 2023 05:06 PM

Rhonda Brooks

planter planting corn - John Deere - Lindsey Pound

Farmers Really Want to Plant Corn Not Soybeans, Says FBN Chief Economist

Kevin McNew says the company’s survey of 2,000-plus growers shows they will plant 92.5 million acres of corn and 84.5 million acres of soybeans. Both estimates are counter to what USDA projected in February.

March 30, 2023 08:26 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Deadline Looms, but still no Movement on U.S.-Mexico Corn Trade Dispute, Grassley says

Iowa Senator encourages U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to move toward instituting USMCA dispute settlement process.

March 29, 2023 01:23 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Can the $20-Billion Inflation Reduction Act Get Rolled Out Quickly Enough?

Industry experts say the new legislative package represents a ‘generational opportunity’ for conservation funding and needs to reach U.S. farmers and livestock producers sooner rather than later, starting this spring.

March 21, 2023 04:33 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ferrie: Ready, Set, Whoops! A Fast Start To Fieldwork Could Cost You Big In Corn At V5

Caution can help you avoid creating compaction or density layers. Plus, if you’re applying anhydrous now, allowing 14 days between the application and planting can prevent dead or damaged plants and costly yield dings.

March 21, 2023 02:56 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Valent USA Enters Corn Industry With Three Modes of Action Herbicide

The company, known for its extensive work in soybeans, formally moves into the corn marketplace with its introduction of Maverick herbicide, now available for use this season.

March 16, 2023 12:39 PM

Rhonda Brooks

New Systemic Nitrogen-Fixation Biofertilizer Can Be Used In-Furrow or In a Foliar Application

Envita offers corn growers season-long nitrogen availability, according to Azotic Technologies. The product retails for approximately $15 an acre.

March 13, 2023 04:27 PM

Rhonda Brooks