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

Ag Economy

From Setback to Comeback: Sorghum Looks For More Market Opportunity

Third-generation farmer Amy France and team at NSP are on a mission to improve buyer demand for the crop domestically and abroad.

October 07, 2025 12:56 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Soybeans

New Seed Treatment Offers A Solution to Soybean Cyst Nematode

The microbial product works as part of an integrated strategy to address SCN, the No. 1 yield-reducing pest problem in soybeans. Farmers routinely see yields cut by 5 bushels or more per acre in affected fields.

October 06, 2025 10:30 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Breaking Barriers - 10-02-2025 - the use of soybean harvest aids

Soybeans

Desiccants Could Help You Harvest More Soybeans At Ideal Moisture Levels

Herbicides and defoliants are commonly used by farmers in southern regions to quicken the harvest period and reduce the risk of shatter loss and poor test weights. Now, Midwest growers and researchers are looking at how to use the practice.

October 02, 2025 08:49 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Corteva’s Bold Move: What Splitting Crop Protection and Seed Businesses Means for the Future

Company leaders say the separation will unleash two distinct market leaders that are both farmer-centric, with technology and innovation at their core.

October 01, 2025 12:53 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Harvest

Next Season Starts Now: 4 Strategies for Residue Management

If heavy residue isn’t managed at harvest, it sets off a chain reaction that can result in uneven plant development and ultimately lost yield potential in 2026.

October 01, 2025 08:00 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Tariffs_U.S-Trade-War-with-China-Soybeans.jpg

Ag Economy

‘We Need Action, Not Just Financial Aid’

While the Trump administration weighs an economic bailout for farmers that would use tariff income, groups like ASA continue to press for better market opportunities and a trade deal with China, in particular.

September 30, 2025 11:51 AM

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks