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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
Waiting until soil temperature drops and stays below 50°F is crucial to safely apply fall anhydrous ammonia. It’s also critical to use the correct nitrogen stabilizer.
Crop Production
Fertilizer Decisions: Balance Costs, Yields and Sustainability
Survey results from University of Illinois ag economists show how farmers are making corn and soybean nutrient plans for 2026 and what current price trends are for N, P and K.
September 29, 2025 03:04 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Crop Production
Navigate 2026 Input Costs with A Proactive Strategy
There are no easy answers to address the cost of fertilizer and other inputs, but having conversations with suppliers and financial providers now can help you leverage your buying power and minimize potential impacts from marketplace uncertainties.
September 25, 2025 01:46 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Lindsey Pound - Harvest corn combine combining shelling fall autumn unloading field aerial land
Corn
Ferrie: Why Your Corn Crop Could Be Drying Slowly This Fall
It’s a head-scratcher situation: some Illinois farmers are reporting moisture levels in their corn are dropping only one point per week.
September 23, 2025 02:01 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Harvest
Drought Conditions Intensify Threat Of Field And Combine Fires
All it takes to spark a flame sometimes is a single high-temperature source in the engine area or an overheated bearing that ignites some dry plant material. Take control of the situation in advance by having a brief plan ready to implement. Communicate it to your family and employees.
September 22, 2025 02:33 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Put Anhydrous on Corn Acres this Fall
Crop Production
Why Anhydrous Ammonia Demand Will Soar This Fall
While application season is still weeks away, retailers and other suppliers are encouraging farmers to reserve product now.
September 19, 2025 03:35 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
fall fertilizer application
Crop Production
26 Ideas To Cut Fertilizer Costs In 2026
Use one or more of these tips to reduce expenses, reallocate resources and build a fertility program that works well for your farm and gives you some peace of mind in the process.
September 18, 2025 01:29 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Corn
5 Critical Insights From The Southern Rust Rampage In Midwest Corn
The crop took it on the chin this season, with some Iowa farmers reporting huge yield losses as harvest gets underway. A one-time fungicide application helped, but it wasn’t enough to buck severe disease pressure, allowing it to return.
September 16, 2025 12:47 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Soybeans
Maximize Soybean Yields — Harvesting This Week Could Be Key
The crop is drying down rapidly, given the weather conditions across much of the country. Agronomists are concerned farmers will combine fields too late and advise starting at 13% moisture or even higher.
September 15, 2025 02:06 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Politics
Farm Groups Offer Additional Thoughts On MAHA Strategy Report
Ag applauds the MAHA commission for providing farmers with a “seat at the table” as it developed the action plan unveiled earlier this week, but says some reservations remain.
September 11, 2025 05:21 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Boots in the Field -- Ken Ferrie
Crop Production
Ferrie: Know the True Costs of Reducing Phosphorus Before You Cut It
Yes, phosphorus is expensive. But before you decide to not use it or arbitrarily pull back, try to weigh the decision based on facts and not emotion.
September 10, 2025 06:19 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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