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

Wheat

Kansas Wheat Yields, Quality Take A Hit From Disease Complex

Wheat streak mosaic virus decimated some fields this season, say K-State Extension specialists. The problem is also showing up and expanding in other key wheat-producing states. What farmers do this fall will determine whether the disease is reined in or takes off again next season.

July 02, 2025 08:38 AM

Rhonda Brooks

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Soybeans

How To Navigate Foliar Fungicide Use in a Tight Soybean Market

With product and application costs totaling between $30 and $40 per acre, farmers will be taking a harder look at where they make the investment this season.

July 01, 2025 01:32 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

New Study Shows Corn Farming Delivers Economic Benefits Across All 50 States

Corn farming for grain generated an estimated $123 billion in total economic output in 2024, with an estimated contribution of $50 billion to Gross Domestic Product. Find out how your state benefits financially from corn.

June 30, 2025 03:42 PM

Rhonda Brooks

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Succession Planning

Overcome the No. 1 Challenge in Passing Down Your Family Farm

While 69% of farmers expect to transfer their operation to the next generation of family members, too many are misplacing their time and efforts, according to The Williams Group. The company offers 5 recommendations that can help farmers and other business owners course correct.

June 30, 2025 01:28 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Ohio Farmers Mimic Mother Nature To Build Soils and Yield Success

The Seilers use cover crops and no-till to improve soil health, reduce input costs and improve profitability.

June 27, 2025 04:01 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

250-Plus Ag Groups Ask Trump Administration To ‘Correct’ MAHA Commission’s ‘Activities’

The groups are urging the administration to “formally include farmers, ranchers and food producers in a collaborative stakeholder process.” An action report — a follow-up to the MAHA report released in May — is due by August 12.

June 26, 2025 03:34 PM

Rhonda Brooks

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Corn

Is Water Quality Sabotaging Your Fungicide’s Success?

David Hula believes a high-quality carrier is so critical to the performance of his crop protection products that he loads and hauls all the water to the local airport that his aerial applicator uses.

June 25, 2025 11:53 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Weather

July Weather Outlook: Goodbye Rain, Hello Heat

The silver lining, meteorologists say, is many farmers and livestock producers in the central and eastern U.S. have had sufficient moisture this spring and milder temperatures headed into summer. For some, that’s about to change.

June 24, 2025 03:09 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Rain drops on corn leaves weather wet young corn field - Lindsey Pound

Crop Production

Crop Quality in the Midwest: Most States Soar, Some Flounder

Iowa corn quality leads the nation currently, with 83% of the state’s crop rated good to excellent. North Dakota is on the struggle bus for both corn and soybeans.

June 24, 2025 12:40 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ag Economy

U.S. Ag Trade Deficit Hits Record High In First Four Months Of 2025

On a more hopeful note, some industry analysts believe the number has reached its peak and will start to move down this summer. Certainly, some trade deals that would open markets for U.S. ag products would help.

June 23, 2025 03:45 PM

Rhonda Brooks