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

young corn field wet soil clouds weather rain - Lindsey Pound

Politics

NCGA Weighs In on 2,4-D Ruling by the International Trade Commission

The Commission has agreed to advance a petition by Corteva Agribusiness to place anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports of 2,4-D. NCGA says a decision to impose tariffs would negatively impact farmers.

May 21, 2024 01:19 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Farm bill - capitol - grain system - soybean field - corn field - By Lindsey Pound

Politics

House Agriculture Committee Set to Mark Up 942-Page Farm Bill Draft

Bipartisan support will be needed, says Syngenta’s Mary Kay Thatcher, if the proposed legislation has any chance of being passed this year. It’s expected to face considerable push back in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

May 20, 2024 04:52 PM

Rhonda Brooks

The Documents You Need to Receive a Tariff Payment

Politics

Sen. Chuck Grassley Pushes Back on Tariffs, GREET Model

During a discussion on AgriTalk, the Senator said he supports free trade and believes that tariffs can create more problems instead of solutions. He also was less than enthusiastic about the GREET Model.

May 16, 2024 03:39 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Soybeans

17-Month Review Process Likely Required for New Dicamba Label

Bayer has requested a new label for XtendiMax from EPA. Public comment is underway. Also, farmers and retailers are urged to verify final sale and use cutoff dates for dicamba-based products in their respective states.

May 16, 2024 09:25 AM

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: How To Address Planting And Replanting, Row Fresheners, Cover Crops and Herbicide Damage

Farmers are moving fast and furious in fields this week, trying to get crops in the ground. But Mother Nature is playing havoc with their best efforts. Ken Ferrie addresses six concerns to help farmers make progress.

May 13, 2024 08:22 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Crop Production

Winter Canola Offers New Income Potential to Mid-South Farmers

The oilseed could be a fit now for growers in Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, southern Illinois, and parts of Alabama and Mississippi. Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables is offering a 2024/25 production program.

May 10, 2024 12:15 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Bayer Ramps Up Its Tar Spot Research by Using a New Practice

The company is artificially inoculating tar spot in select field test plots this season to study how corn responds. Researchers say the work will help them advance tar spot tolerance for DEKALB and Channel products.

May 08, 2024 08:11 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Ferrie: How Long Can Corn Survive After Being Under Water?

The crop can survive, but it depends on the hybrid, seed quality and temperature. When temps go north of 70 degrees, the likelihood the corn will survive drops after being submerged 24 to 48 hours.

May 03, 2024 05:38 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Beef

Ground Beef Tests Negative for H5N1, says USDA-APHIS

USDA-FSIS said it collected 30 samples from “states with dairy cattle herds that had tested positive for the H5N1 influenza virus at the time of sample collection.” No virus particles were found to be present.

May 02, 2024 10:46 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Soybeans

7 Steps to Better Post-Herbicide Weed Control In Soybeans

Iowa State University Extension research shows weeds not controlled after the V2 growth stage can reduce yields by up to 1% per day. Uncontrolled weeds can also contribute to harvest difficulties and weed seed banks.

May 01, 2024 09:23 PM

Rhonda Brooks