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

Politics

MAHA Report’s Surprising Stance on Glyphosate, Atrazine Explained

USDA’s Brooke Rollins and more than 300 farm groups went to bat for agriculture leading up to the report’s release on Thursday. Yet farmers were excluded from having a voice at the table in the development process. That needs to change before the next report – which will provide policy recommendations – is issued within the next 80 days.

May 23, 2025 02:13 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

Farmers and Farm Groups Push Back on MAHA Report

Many farm organizations say the 68-page document released on Thursday is filled with “fear-based rather than science-based information about pesticides,” positioning that will sow seeds of distrust with the American public.

May 22, 2025 05:52 PM

Michelle Rook

Cotton

Cotton Acres Expected to Sink to 10-Year Low in 2025

While most states anticipate a reduction in their total number of cotton acres, some exceptions exist. Farmers in Arizona, Virginia and Kansas are expected to plant more cotton than their respective 3-year averages.

May 22, 2025 11:23 AM

Rhonda Brooks

young corn with sunset - by Lindsey Pound

Politics

Farmers Brace for Impact: What the MAHA Report Could Mean for Agriculture

A chief concern is whether glyphosate will be targeted by the report, which is expected to be unveiled on Thursday. A number of farmers have voiced concerns collectively and individually this week.

May 21, 2025 04:33 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Agronomists Encourage Farmers To Rethink and Adapt Production Practices as Spring Winds Continue

If you have corn and soybeans affected by recent wind and dust storms, consider pushing pause for a few days to evaluate crops before applying post herbicides and making other product applications that could create additional stress for the plants.

May 20, 2025 03:54 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Planting

Ferrie: Four Must-Know Tips For Making Corn Replant Decisions

Be proactive in evaluating crop emergence and uniformity. That information will help you make timely, informed decisions that are best for your farm and your financial needs this season.

May 19, 2025 04:43 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Use Corn Stand Counts To Ease The Stress In Making Replant Decisions

Knowing the final plant population as well as the uniformity of the stand can guide you in deciding whether you will benefit most from keeping the current crop or ripping it out and replanting, says Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.

May 16, 2025 12:54 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ag Economy

China Plans ‘World’s Biggest Export Terminal’ For Brazil Amid U.S. Trade Talks

“China and Brazil are getting together. They’re going to build infrastructure, and they’re going to make SAF and they’re going to build railroads, and it’s not good for us and our future. That’s why we need new markets,” says Iowa farmer Tim Burrack.

May 14, 2025 04:09 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Breaking Barriers - 05-13-2025 - Closing Wheel Performance.jpg

Planting

Add 75+ Bushels Of Corn Per Acre With Better Closing Wheel Performance

Make adjustments as you plant because when those final steps are done poorly, corn germinates unevenly and there’s no way to go back and undo the damage.

May 13, 2025 06:32 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Farmland

Land Values Show Signs Of Softening, But Farmers And Small-Town Investors Remain Bullish

The market might not be as hot as it was two years ago, but it still sizzles. The economics of low supply and strong demand are keeping prices fairly stable with only slight reductions seen this spring, depending on the location and quality, says Colton Lacina, Farmers National Company.

May 08, 2025 02:49 PM

Rhonda Brooks