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

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

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

Rhonda Brooks

Graphic for Boots in the Field Report with agronomist Ken Ferrie who has spent over 40 years helping farmers maximize corn and soybean yields.

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

Rhonda Brooks

What-is-the-purpose-of-your-farm's-largest-operating-loan.jpg

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