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.

Ken Ferrie: The Sweet Spot for Planting Corn is Here

Soil conditions, temperatures and weather outlook are aligned. “Let the big dogs run, and keep the planters running until you’re finished,” says Ken Ferrie. “This corn will fly out of the ground.”

May 04, 2023 04:55 PM

Rhonda Brooks

The pest’s movement is being tracked by ipmPIPE, a pest mapping and forecasting system developed by the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), land-grant partners, along with Animal Plant Health Inspection Service and Risk Management Agency. The system reports some significant flights have already been found since mid-April in states including Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Black Cutworm is Moving into the Midwest, Be on the Lookout

Farmers in some states can expect BCW damage in corn by mid-May. One larva can ruin five corn plants in a 24-hour period. Rescue treatments are most effective and economical -- not seed treatments or Bt hybrids.

May 03, 2023 09:07 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Ken Ferrie: Lethal Low Temperatures and Frost Delivered Deadly Blows in Illinois Corn and Soybeans

Soybeans planted from April 3 to April 10 were hit the hardest as they were snared by temperatures dipping below 28°F. Corn didn’t dodge the damage, either. Ferrie says some corn crops at the V1 stage were smoked.

April 27, 2023 03:14 PM

Rhonda Brooks

This is the lifecycle for true armyworm. The timing is specific to Indiana, but it can be used to estimate approximately when you might see the pest in your fields.

Is A Double Whammy of True Armyworm Underway?

True armyworm (not to be confused with fall armyworm) is moving into Midwest wheat and corn crops now. Many are newcomers from the South, but homegrown populations are also concerning in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

April 24, 2023 05:54 PM

Rhonda Brooks

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