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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
Cover crops for grazing
Conservation
New Tool Helps Farmers, Ranchers Identify Conservation Incentive Programs
The online platform currently has about 500 programs and service providers in the Midwest participating and is a free resource for farmers, ranchers and their advisers.
August 26, 2025 06:52 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Crop Production
Corn, Soybeans Thrive While Drought Hits Other Crops Harder
Will this be the summer of drought that never fully materialized for these two crops? While there are areas of dryness, both continue to flourish. Here’s a look at how August weather is expected to finish out this week across the country, as September comes into view.
August 25, 2025 01:20 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Crop Production
How Pro Farmer 2025 Crop Estimates Compare and Contrast With USDA Expectations
On the heels of Crop Tour, Pro Farmer projects corn yields at 6.1 bu. below USDA’s August estimate, while soybean yield numbers are nearly aligned.
August 22, 2025 03:25 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Crop Production
Crops vs. Foliar Diseases: A High-Stakes Race Underway in Midwest Fields
The Minnesota corn crop is going for gold. Pro Farmer Crop Tour scouts expect the crop will reach a record 202.86 bu. average, if it can outpace southern rust and tar spot. Scouts peg the Iowa corn crop at a 198.43 bu. average, but it also faces disease challenges.
August 21, 2025 04:06 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Crop-Tour-2025-Day-3-Results.jpg
Crop Production
Iowa Corn Has High Potential, Illinois Crop Looks Average and Soybeans Shine in Both States
Iowa could be the nation’s top state this year for corn and soybeans, but both crops are in a race to beat disease pressure that’s gaining momentum. Illinois corn continues to ride the struggle bus, while the soybean crop there is positioned to deliver high yields.
August 20, 2025 06:57 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Corn
R5 Growth Stage Holds Hidden Yield Potential
There is still up to 55% of the kernel dry weight left to be accumulated by many corn hybrids at this point — starch that can contribute significantly to grain fill and higher test weights.
August 20, 2025 10:50 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Soybeans
Four Pro Tips To Help You Harvest More Soybeans
Marion Calmer is renown for his corn harvesting innovations. The fourth-generation Illinois farmer also has a wealth of practical knowledge about how to take more beans to the bin — and freely shares some of his insights and ideas here.
August 18, 2025 01:07 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Health
West Nile Virus Activity Spikes to 20-Year High in the Midwest
Elevated levels of the disease are trending currently, and are of ‘serious concern’ over the next eight weeks, say researchers.
August 14, 2025 03:03 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Boots in the Field -- Ken Ferrie
Corn
Ken Ferrie: Central Illinois Corn Yields Look Close To 5-Year Average
With at least four weeks left in the growing season, Ferrie encourages farmers to stay ahead of heavy disease pressure in fields, particularly in what he calls D hybrids — those that punch their yield card late-season.
August 14, 2025 12:31 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
corn sample
Corn
Analyst Flags Potential Overshoot in Corn Yield Estimate And Why It Matters
One concern cited is that USDA tends to aim too high with its August yield estimates, based on what the data shows from the past decade. The other concern is how strong demand will be, given corn carryover projections.
August 13, 2025 03:56 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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