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

Corn

Gorgeous Corn Crop Masks A Tough Reality For Central Illinois Growers

Corn yield estimates in seven counties surrounding the community of Bloomington indicate farmers there will harvest an average crop, at best. That’s counter to what USDA predicts for Illinois yield results statewide.

August 12, 2025 04:00 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Southern Rust Has Infected Iowa Corn in ‘Likely Every County’

The extent of the disease in the state is the worst one ISU Extension pathologist says she has ever seen. Farmers in 17 other states have also confirmed the disease.

August 11, 2025 03:42 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Picking Short Hybrids For 2026? Why Leaf Structure Is An Important Trait

Short-stature corn is often planted at higher populations because its architecture allows for better light interception and more efficient use of resources when plants are grown closer together. But that’s not always the case, according to Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.

August 11, 2025 01:46 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Silver Linings: Farmers Share What’s Gone Right & Wrong This Season

Camaraderie is cathartic. It lifts spirits, gives encouragement and reminds all of us we are valuable. Check out what farmers have to say about this year’s corn crop – the good, the bad and the in-between – and may their experiences lighten your load in the process.

August 08, 2025 11:13 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Artificial Intelligence Joins The Fight Against Weeds, Insects And Disease

A crop-protection startup is using AI and machine learning to identify and develop new active ingredients it says will help farmers solve issues like weed resistance faster and more economically.

August 07, 2025 02:42 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

National Corn Yield Predictions Are Trending Higher Thanks To Summer Moisture

USDA reports 73% of the corn crop nationally is in good to excellent condition – a 5% increase over this same time in 2024. Industry analysts believe the Aug. 12 Crop Production report will boost its estimate for the 2025 crop because of the overall favorable growing season.

August 05, 2025 04:18 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Farmer Uses Late-Season Fungicide, Nutrients To Beef Up Corn Test Weight

Nebraska grower Brian Herbek says a ‘finishing pass’ can help fill corn ears all the way to their tips with kernels and pack on more starch in the process. Hear more of Herbek’s insights along with David Hula and Randy Dowdy on Breaking Barriers With R&D.

August 04, 2025 03:53 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Corn Growers Alarmed Key Herbicides Face Uncertain Future

More than 1,000 farmers across the country weighed in via survey to express concern that access to glyphosate and atrazine is at risk, after both technologies were called out in the MAHA Report. The next report, the MAHA strategy recommendations, is due to President Trump by August 12.

August 01, 2025 03:41 PM

Rhonda Brooks

First Photo of Ear with Ken USE THIS.jpg

Corn

Recent Rains Spell Trouble for Corn – What Farmers Need to Know Now

Just as corn growers were ready to put their pollination problems behind them, another one comes along. This time, the issue had to do with moisture occurring at the wrong time, and the results are significantly impacting yield.

August 01, 2025 10:21 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

Could EPA Decision Signal The Beginning Of The End For DEF?

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proposes rescinding the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. If the proposal goes into effect, it could potentially lead to DEF systems no longer being required in tractors, trucks and other equipment using diesel-powered engines — a decision many farmers and others in the ag community would applaud.

July 31, 2025 11:05 AM

Rhonda Brooks