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

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Ag Economy

Farmer Sentiment Improved in January, But 18% of Growers Surveyed Expect a Larger Operating Loan this Year

Despite economic concerns, row-crop and livestock producers offered a mostly positive outlook on the future of agriculture.

February 05, 2025 11:05 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Understand How EPA’s New Herbicide Strategy Will Impact Your Farm

Farmers can benefit from evaluating fields now and making a game plan for complying with the agency’s requirements. One positive is that the herbicide strategy will be implemented over time, instead of on a specific date.

February 04, 2025 01:42 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Weather

‘Stay Tuned, We’ll Be Right Back With Your Forecast’

Long-time meterologist Gary Lezak says he can predict with 91% accuracy significant weather events that will occur for the next seven to eight months. Check out three of the predictions his team shares for this spring.

January 31, 2025 04:14 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Always base your lime applications on soil test results from reputable labs.

Crop Production

Crop Consultants Offer Their Top Tips To Reduce Input Costs

Among the independent field agronomists’ recommendations: Address your No. 1 yield-limiting factor, employ the 5% rule and fix soil pH.

January 29, 2025 01:46 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Poultry

Iowa Secretary of Ag Weighs In on The H5N1 Battle, Vaccine Potential And Trade Sensitivities

Sec. Mike Naig says the U.S. government is using what he describes as a three-legged stool approach to address the virus in the dairy and poultry industries.

January 28, 2025 05:15 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Ferrie: Farmers Are Asking How To Fix Poor Corn Stands

Growers are trying to figure out what caused missing plants in their corn stands last season and what solutions they can use this spring.

January 27, 2025 12:02 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

New Chemistry Promises To Give Barnyardgrass The Boot In Rice

Keenali Complete and Keenali GR are the names FMC has selected for its two Dodhylex-based herbicides (tetflupyrolimet). The company anticipates introducing the herbicides as early as 2027 and 2028 for farmers’ use, pending EPA approval.

January 24, 2025 09:49 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Soybeans

Red, White Or Blue? How Does Your County Fare With Soybean Cyst Nematode?

A new map from the SCN Coalition can give you an idea of whether the pest is in your county. Soil testing this spring will confirm whether the pest is in your fields, dinging yields and dollars.

January 23, 2025 04:48 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Plant Corn Hybrids Where They’ll Perform The Best

Maximize yield potential by tapping into how plant leaf structure and ear type work together in the field.

January 22, 2025 11:25 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Grain Markets

Ag Economist Offers Farmers What He Calls ‘Some Contrarian Advice’

Weighing on Scott Irwin’s mind is whether U.S. grain growers need to get some downside price protection for 2025 crops.

January 17, 2025 01:27 PM

Rhonda Brooks