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

Farmland

High-Quality Farmland Is Still Inching Up In Price Across 18 States

A mid-year report from Farmers National shows land values are increasing by single digits instead of the double digits common in 2021-22. But the company says it has a strong roster of listings headed into late summer.

August 09, 2023 08:56 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Politics

‘Reckless Spending’ is Putting U.S. Fiscal Health at Risk, Analyst Says

A market analyst shared a gloomy outlook for the country on Thursday, saying the U.S. balance sheet and financial condition have been deteriorating significantly over the last decade. He expects more of the same ahead.

August 07, 2023 11:38 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Soybeans

Phytophthora Root Rot Grabs the Spotlight in Soybeans

The increased incidence of the disease this year in the Midwest has to do with the extremely hot, dry weather followed by heavy precipitation events farmers received in June and July.

August 04, 2023 12:01 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Market Outlooks

Farmers Seize Market Opportunities but Concerned about Rising Interest Rates

Sixty-five percent of farmers surveyed in July expect interest rates to climb in the next 12 months. On a positive note, 7 out of 10 said they expect farmland cash rental rates to remain roughly the same for 2024.

August 03, 2023 09:01 AM

Rhonda Brooks

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

Politics

Senators Look To Rein-In Abuse Of Farm Payment System

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Sherrod Brown have introduced the Farm Program Integrity Act. It would create a cap of $250,000 in commodity support for a single farm operation and, potentially, some undesirable side effects.

August 03, 2023 06:43 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

Ferrie: Give Corn A ‘Big Push’ With Better Nutrient Allocation

Using the same amount of fertilizer -- but at different times and more than one way during the season -- can help you harvest more bushels and improve your bottom line. Check out our two brief videos to learn more.

July 28, 2023 01:31 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

High Humidity a Contributing Factor in Tar Spot Outbreaks

Farmers can use humidity charts for their area to assess when the disease could hit their corn crop as well as the optimum time to make a fungicide application, says Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Associate Field Agronomist.

July 26, 2023 11:23 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Corn

$100 an Acre Herbicide Costs Won’t be Unusual Next Season

On the low end, expect to invest at least $50 an acre in the Midwest and $85 in the South for products. Some corn and soybean farmers are evaluating adjuvants and management practices that could help trim expenses.

July 20, 2023 02:31 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Succession Planning

4 Things to Do When Your Kids Come Home to Farm

Matt and Lisa Moreland hoped at least one of their sons would return home to farm after college. What they didn’t anticipate? All three sons wanted to come back. Here are four things the family learned in the process.

July 20, 2023 01:56 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Taxes and Finance

Use Portability to Avoid a Potential Multi-Million Dollar Estate Mistake

If your spouse dies, look into filing Form 706 Federal Estate Tax Return with the IRS. Taking that step could help you protect farm assets so they pass to your heirs without estate taxes. The process isn’t automatic.

July 20, 2023 01:37 PM

Rhonda Brooks