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

Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist

Ferrie: You Can Reduce Fertilizer and Still Harvest Big Corn Yields, But Some Parameters Apply

There are ways to pull back on fertilizer effectively -- up to a point. Join Ferrie for the Winter Corn & Soybean College this Thursday, Jan. 5. Get practical answers to your questions during this live event.

January 04, 2023 03:23 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ken Ferrie: Using Urea for N or Going Corn-on-Corn in 2023? Read this First

Urea can be used to replace part of your spring N needs, but there are risks to be aware of and evaluate before you decide to go with it. The same is true for a mono-crop, especially if you choose continuous corn.

December 29, 2022 05:08 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn Yield Losses to ‘Edge Effect’ Elevated by Contrary Micro-Climate and Weather Patterns

Iowa State Extension agronomists say there are at least two strategies farmers can consider using in 2023 to address this phenomenon, especially if they expect to be hit by hot, dry weather conditions again next summer.

December 07, 2022 09:20 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Horseweed (marestail) is just one of a number of weeds that can be addressed with fall or spring burndown treatments.

2023 Looks Like a Tough Year to Control Weeds

Dry conditions and limited herbicide supplies crippled many farmers’ weed-control efforts this year, setting up a perfect storm for weeds and grasses next season. Here are five ways to take charge of the situation.

November 29, 2022 11:09 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Want More ROI from Fungicide Use in Corn? Fine-Tune Your Strategy

If your traditional approach to fungicide applications in corn is to wait until you see signs of disease pressure, it could be time to rethink your strategy.

November 22, 2022 01:21 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ferrie: It’s Go-Time for Hybrid Selections and Anhydrous Applications

Farmers are asking, ‘Do I chisel first and then apply anhydrous? Or will I get better results doing the opposite?’ Get Ferrie’s answer and his insights on addressing hybrid weaknesses to harvest more corn in 2023.

November 18, 2022 12:13 PM

Rhonda Brooks

The Scoop caught up with Hawkins during a recent Syngenta Media Summit. Here is a report from our conversation with him.

Retail Business

C-Suite: Vern Hawkins with Syngenta Crop Protection

The Scoop caught up with Hawkins during a recent Syngenta Media Summit. Here is a report from our conversation with him.

November 18, 2022 11:40 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Inflation Report Signals a Smaller Rate Increase likely in December

Experts say the Fed is looking for signs of weakness in the economy before deciding interest rates have been raised sufficiently to curb inflation. Some signs are available now, says Vince Malanga, LaSalle Economics.

November 16, 2022 02:22 PM

Rhonda Brooks

USDA to Address ‘Soybeans of Other Colors’ Issue, Grading Standards

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announces the Federal Grain and Inspection Service will publish a proposed rule seeking public comment on whether to make changes to U.S. grading standards for soybeans.

November 11, 2022 07:07 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Agronomic Phenomenon in Corn Strikes Outer Rows of Fields, Strips Yield

Some Iowa growers saw huge yield losses this season from a so-called edge effect. Illinois farmers also report seeing it ding yields. Agronomists are working to confirm contributing factors but haven’t nailed them down.

November 09, 2022 03:28 PM

Rhonda Brooks