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

Crop Production

Trouble In Turn Rows: Prevent Weeds From Flourishing In Headlands

Be diligent to keep pesky and invasive weeds out of your field boundaries. Otherwise, those weeds can produce seed and drift to additional acres in future years.

May 01, 2024 09:04 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Ferrie: With Poor Quality A Concern, Hold Back Some Seed Corn

Ken Ferrie says 37% of seed corn samples he’s reviewed fall below good quality levels; 11% fall into the poor category. He advises retaining 2 lb. of each questionable lot until stand establishment can be evaluated.

April 29, 2024 05:06 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Dairy

H5N1 Mandatory Testing For Interstate Movement Of Dairy Cattle In Effect

The agency will provide reimbursement for testing at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratory.

April 29, 2024 01:27 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Dairy

A Message to the Ag Industry about H5N1

The livestock industry needs a comprehensive, cohesive plan to address the virus. Producers, their employees and veterinarians need clear answers and support from U.S. agricultural leadership, moving forward.

April 26, 2024 03:49 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

How to Calculate Growing Degree Days (Simple Formula)

Growing degree days (GDDs) are a more reliable method to predict corn emergence and development than calendar days. Start calculating GDDs daily the day after planting. Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie explains.

April 22, 2024 03:07 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Just Chillin’ Sounds Fun but it’s Hard on Seed Corn

Don’t let the rush to plant cause you to be filled with regret and utter these five words at some point: “I wish I had waited.” Chilled seed corn struggles to emerge and grow. It can cost you 10% of your stand.

April 17, 2024 03:16 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Unlike traditional crop insurance, whole farm provides a risk management safety net for all commodities on the farm under one insurance policy.

Corn

Crop Insurance Affordability at Heart of FARMER Act

More than 20 farm groups support the new Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience Act. The bill does not require choosing between enhanced crop insurance coverage and commodity support programs.

April 17, 2024 08:21 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

New CoBank Report says Federal Reserve is on the ‘Horns of a Dilemma’

Unrelenting inflation continues to weigh down the U.S. economy and agriculture. Still, CoBank says it believes the Fed will stick with its decision to cut interest rates three times in 2024.

April 16, 2024 10:47 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Ferrie: It’s a No-Go for Corn Planting in Central Illinois

Along with too much moisture, high numbers of corn flea beetles are posing an early-season concern. Ferrie advises checking your Stewart’s wilt bacteria rating on hybrids. There’s no treatment option for infected corn.

April 15, 2024 11:11 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Antsy To Plant Corn Now? Use These Five Tips To Get Ready

One of the biggest benefits from waiting to plant corn until conditions are ideal, is the crop emerges more uniformly and forms those picket-fence stands that deliver huge yields, says Agronomist Missy Bauer.

April 12, 2024 02:51 PM

Rhonda Brooks