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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
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Corn
Try the Shadow Test to Right-Size Your 2027 Corn Planting Populations
Some simple field checks this summer can reveal whether you’re planting a specific hybrid too thick, too thin, or just right — good insight to have before you order seed for next season.
August 07, 2026 12:40 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Soybeans
Soybean Maturity Groups Are On The Move. Is Your Farm Keeping Up?
Agronomists detail how your variety selections and planting strategy might need to adapt to better manage risk during the growing season and protect yield at harvest.
August 06, 2026 03:42 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Soybeans
Soybeans
Flexibility Meets Firepower in New Soybean Herbicide
The latest product in Corteva’s lineup can go on fields as a pre or post, targets more than 36 broadleaf weeds and grasses, and provides up to four weeks of residual control.
August 03, 2026 04:40 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Corn
Aphids And Nitrogen Deficiencies Put Late-Season Squeeze On Corn Yields
Agronomists urge farmers to scout, treat and communicate any significant losses to landlords and bankers prior to harvest.
August 03, 2026 11:44 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Crop Production
Good-Looking Crops Hide Ugly Truth: One-Third of U.S. Corn, Soybeans Struggling
USDA ratings show that the nation’s crops lag behind Iowa’s current strong performance, while drowned-out areas and weather stress in Illinois could deliver harvest disappointments.
July 24, 2026 03:09 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Drone shots of a drone spraying fungicide on corn field sprayer spray - By Lindsey Pound
Crop Production
Stop Bleeding Dollars at the Sprayer: 4 Critical Application Items to Check
From inaccurate dry measurements to unseen water issues, simple mistakes and overlooked details could be neutralizing your crop protection investments.
July 23, 2026 12:13 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Fungicide Application
Corn
How One Iowa Corn Grower Makes Fungicides Reach the Ear Leaf
Mike Jenks shares how he reconfigures nozzles, boosts carrier volume and evaluates application timing to protect the leaves that drive grain fill.
July 20, 2026 02:37 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Corn
Corn Growers: Keep Fungicide ‘High In The Crop’
With tar spot at fairly low levels, Midwest agronomists encourage farmers to focus on protecting the upper canopy, keying into the best application timing and keeping an eye out for southern rust.
July 17, 2026 11:37 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Livestock
Is The Same Wolf Story Playing Out From The Midwest To California?
Whether it’s 2,700 wolves in Minnesota or 70 in California, ranchers report similar challenges — predators targeting livestock, limited management authority, and compensation programs some say don’t solve the underlying problem.
July 16, 2026 12:31 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Crops
Farmers Urged to Speak Up as New Dual-Action Herbicide Moves Through EPA Review
FMC’s new active ingredient targets broadleaf weeds with two modes of action – an industry first. But researchers say good stewardship of existing technologies remains critical.
July 15, 2026 12:31 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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