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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
Boots in the Field -- Ken Ferrie
Crop Production
Ferrie: In Dry Soils, Is It Better to Use Anhydrous and Strip-Till or a Zone Builder?
Based on fieldwork he’s done so far, the farmer asks, “Am I drying out the soil early in what looks to be a dry year? Or, am I making the soil more fit so roots can go down as they should?”
March 27, 2024 02:36 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Young soybean field - soybeans sprouting - soybean plants - By Lindsey Pound
Soybeans
AMS Adds Bushels And Good ROI To Missouri Farmer’s Soybeans
Brian Ray is confident his soybeans will yield more this season, thanks to the use of 100 lb/A of ammonium sulfate preplant applied. He and his retailer, Brent Peters, anticipate a 4 bu/A average increase or higher.
March 26, 2024 11:21 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
Aerial farmland farm land at harvest fall corn soybeans - By Lindsey Pound
Succession Planning
Four Things To Tell Farmers Just Starting Out
What would you tell someone launching their farming career today? A panel of Illinois farmers recently shared some of their successes and setbacks along with a handful of recommendations for young or new farmers.
March 21, 2024 03:48 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Paul Nieffer_StorySe..jpg
Taxes and Finance
‘Green Book’ Proposals Could Mean Substantial Tax Increases
Paul Neiffer, The Farm CPA, details some of the Biden administration’s 2025 budget plans and how they could affect farmers if approved. Of the provisions, only one would potentially help farmers, he says.
March 18, 2024 10:42 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
The 4 Rs of Fertility
Crop Production
Farmer Asks How To Improve P and K On Rental Ground
A Minnesota grower asks Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist, how to improve upon the soil fertility on 90 acres he is renting for the first time this year.
March 15, 2024 02:31 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Smart-Farming-You-Can't-Afford-to-Be-Complacent-About-Tar-Spot
Corn
You Can’t Afford to Be Complacent About Tar Spot
Just because tar spot was mostly a no-show in 2022 and 2023 doesn’t mean that will be the case in 2024. Charting humidity levels can help predict if the disease will strike.
March 14, 2024 12:50 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
smart-farming-next-level-scouting.jpg
Crop Production
10 Easy Ways to Take Your Crop-Scouting Practices to the Next Level
In a year with razor-thin margins, at best, corn and soybean growers can use a variety of new technology and tried-and-true agronomic tools to score higher yields this season.
March 13, 2024 04:59 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Smart-Farming-A-Kick-Start-For-Corn
Corn
A Kick-Start For Corn: When to Use Plant Growth Regulators
If weather stresses have you looking for ways to give your crop a stronger start this spring, consider whether a plant growth regulator could be part of the solution, especially in high-yield environments.
March 12, 2024 03:17 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Boots in the Field -- Ken Ferrie
Planting
Ferrie: Four Ways to Scratch the Planting Itch Without Regret
Don’t take equipment to fields too soon and create headaches that will linger all season. While you wait for the right timing, consider doing prep work and projects that can help set you up for yield success.
March 08, 2024 12:14 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Smart-Farming-Handy-Bt-Trait-Table-Updated-and-Available-Now
Corn
Handy Bt Trait Table Updated and Available Now
Corn growers can use this free tool to understand which hybrids have which traits, as well as evaluate insect problems and herbicide needs in-season.
March 05, 2024 04:50 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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