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

Soybeans

Farmers Facing Tough Weeds In Soybeans Are Pushing The Herbicide Envelope

Some growers are considering rescue treatments with post applications of products. But as the calendar turns to August and the crop enters reproductive stages, that can be a risky undertaking at best, agronomists say.

July 30, 2025 04:51 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

If You’re On The Fence About Fungicide Use in Corn, Consider These 5 Questions

Got tar spot? Economic data shows two passes can offer ROI, depending on the hybrid. However, if your crop got dinged at pollination that’s a different scenario and might require a revised game plan that takes yield estimates into consideration.

July 23, 2025 04:41 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Breaking_Barriers_06-20-2025_finish_the_game_strong.jpg

Corn

David Hula Shares Risk Management Strategy to Address Corn Pollination Challenges

More reports of ‘overly tight tassel wrap’ are coming in across the Corn Belt – including from the reigning world champion corn grower. Hula shares how he strategically uses his planter to minimize pollination risks.

July 21, 2025 11:19 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Searing Temperatures In Store For the Week

Portions of the central Plains, the Upper Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic will be in a heat dome by Tuesday. But first, those regions will see thunderstorms and heavy rains this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

July 18, 2025 03:30 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Put On Your Scouting Hat: Check for Southern Rust in Corn and White Mold in Soybeans

Both diseases are showing up earlier this summer than last year, according to Daren Mueller, Iowa State University plant pathologist. He says a new interactive tool from the Crop Protection Network can help farmers locate these diseases, and others, faster.

July 17, 2025 02:22 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

‘Overly Tight Tassel Wrap’ Is Affecting Pollination In Corn

So far, the problem has been confirmed in four states. Agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout crops, estimate yield impacts in affected fields and determine whether to make adjustments to marketing plans.

July 15, 2025 05:19 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

2025 Farm Journal Corn and Soybean College: Making A Stand

This year’s program features all new agronomic content to help farmers grow and harvest high-yielding crops. Two of the key sessions: selecting a corn planter that’s right for your farm, and developing a systems approach to success with early-season soybeans. We look forward to seeing you there!

July 14, 2025 05:37 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Policy

USDA Ends Consideration of Race, Gender in Many Farm Programs

The new rule is part of the Trump administration’s directives to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the federal government.

July 11, 2025 10:43 AM

Rhonda Brooks

In 2019, foliar fungicide use in the Michigan test plots increased yield by 3.47 bu. to 4.7 bu. per acre versus the control.

Soybeans

Are You Planning a Foliar Fungicide Application in Soybeans?

Many early-planted soybeans in the Midwest are in the R2 to R3 growth stages now, ideal treatment timing for most disease issues. Agronomists offer three reminders to help you make the call — plus a fourth tip on herbicide rescue treatments.

July 10, 2025 11:47 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

Is This The Starting Point for A New Farm Bill?

The thought in some ag circles is that the One Big Beautiful Bill is a farm bill prototype or laying the groundwork for its development. Farmers and Sen. John Boozman weigh in with their perspectives.

July 09, 2025 07:39 PM

Rhonda Brooks