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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 starter fertilizer accushot popup study twin rows test plot - By Lindsey Pound
Corn
Give Corn A Big Push Out Of The Starting Gate
A corn grower asks: Will making a shallow application of 10-34-0 provide corn plants with sufficient phosphorus during early growth stages when corn is planted in cool soils with a soil Bray P1 of 35+ ppm? Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer, Farm Journal field agronomists, share their recommendation.
March 06, 2025 08:22 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
Boots in the Field -- Ken Ferrie
Corn
From Seed to Success: Plan for Your Largest Corn Harvest in 2025 with Drought-Proofing Strategies
Ken Ferrie says to batten down the hatches for this season by picking the right hybrids, placing them on the right fields and giving them the right management. He outlines the steps you can take now to do just that.
March 05, 2025 03:20 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Tar Spot
Corn
BASF Unveils ‘Real Results Yield Challenge’ Program to Showcase Fungicide Benefits
The company says this will be its largest field-trial program to date, giving farmers the opportunity to see the performance of industry leading products in their own fields.
March 03, 2025 07:48 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
Always base your lime applications on soil test results from reputable labs.
Corn
Corn Yield Champions Share Their No. 1 Tip For Growing More Bushels
Having a soil pH in the neutral to 6.8 range across corn acres can help growers get the best performance from their fertility program — achieving higher yields with better ROI.
March 03, 2025 05:51 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
use this one.jpg
Soybeans
Want to Boost Soybean Yields? Start Here
Fred Below has given each of his “six secrets for soybean success” a bushel-per-acre value. Working together, they can help farmers grow yields 80-bu. or more per acre.
March 01, 2025 08:00 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
planting - planter - Lindsey Pound
Weather
A Warming Trend Is On The Way For Early March
Temperatures are expected to be higher next week, and dry conditions are likely to continue in the western Corn Belt. Concerns are building over what lies ahead for spring planting and early crop growth.
February 26, 2025 01:52 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Crop Production
Ag Meterologists Worry More Drought Lies Ahead For Spring
About 45% of U.S. corn production acres and 36% of the soybean ground are dry. The western Corn Belt needs moisture, in particular. A big, wet snowstorm could help, says Eric Snodgrass.
February 21, 2025 10:49 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
Paul Neiffer
Taxes and Finance
The Tax Man Cometh To The Farm
Three key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in December. Planning now can help farmers prepare financially if the provisions aren’t extended, says CPA Paul Neiffer.
February 19, 2025 09:47 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Politics
USDA’s Rollins: ‘Let’s Go Barnstorm The World And Find New Partners’ For Trade
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins kicked off the 2025 Top Producer Summit on Tuesday morning, detailing her plan to advocate for trade. ‘We want to find market access for all our products,’ Rollins said.
February 18, 2025 12:04 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Boots in the Field -- Ken Ferrie
Crop Production
Ferrie: Some Practical Thoughts On How To Be Ready For ‘45Z’
Farmers will need to be able to show farm records, receipts, delivery tickets, and any as-applied maps. Geo-stamp photos will also be required to prove the use of no-till and cover crops.
February 10, 2025 04:25 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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