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

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

Breaking Barriers - 09-15-2025 - southern rust.jpg

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

Graphic for Boots in the Field Report with agronomist Ken Ferrie who has spent over 40 years helping farmers maximize corn and soybean yields.

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

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

MAHA Report 2.0 Gets A Thumbs Up From Farmer Groups And Industry

The 20-page strategy laid out by the Department of Health and Human Services commission on Tuesday offers 120-plus initiatives to reduce what it terms as the root causes of childhood chronic disease.

September 09, 2025 04:18 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Harvest

Focus On Stalk Quality To Maximize Harvest Results

Agronomic specialists are encouraging farmers to make their corn harvest plans now, prioritizing which fields to combine first and so forth. Evaluating how well the crop is standing on a field by field basis can help you plan the process and minimize having to pick up down corn.

September 08, 2025 01:01 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

Environmental Groups Want Enlist Registrations Vacated

If the legal challenge succeeds, the federal court decision would result in making the technology unavailable for sale or distribution to U.S. farmers.

September 04, 2025 06:47 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Last-Ditch Fungicide Application In Corn Could Save Yield, Prevent Harvest Headaches

Kernel depth and fill contribute significantly to yield in newer hybrids. It’s one reason a ‘Hail Mary’ fungicide pass might still offer ROI and keep corn standing until combines roll.

September 03, 2025 02:45 PM

Rhonda Brooks