Rhonda-Brooks.jpg

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
The purpose of tile gates is to keep the water table accessible to roots, without saturating the root zone, restricting root growth and causing nitrogen volatilization.
Crop Production
Moisture Management
Controlled drainage can boost yields, stem nutrient runoff
November 15, 2020 02:45 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Crop Production
How Do Your Corn Cost-Of-Production Estimates Compare?
If you’re putting a pencil to your corn cost of production for 2018, consider the blog that Joe Lauer, University of Wisconsin agronomist, released this morning. Lauer reports that the “cost of production in 2018 is predicted to be $645 per acre. The breakeven price for corn at a yield level of 200 bu/A is $3.23 per bushel, at 180 bu/A is $3.58 per bushel, and at 160 bu/A is $4.03. Today, December corn on the CBOT closed at $3.85 per bushel making the 2018 growing season a challenging one economically.” Lauer references the annual Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) to develop his snapshot on expected costs of production. The estimates exclude costs for marketing and storage. ARMS collection begins in the fall and then is completed the following spring; the 2017 survey is still underway. Lauer notes that the “cost of corn production in 2016 was $665 per acre in the Heartland region and $587 per acre in the Northern Crescent (Figure 2).”
November 15, 2020 01:40 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Bob Kochendofer small
Crop Production
Don’t Let the Calendar Dictate When You Plant
Early planting has its benefits, but be sure to weigh your options before heading to the field.
November 15, 2020 01:38 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Crop Production
Replant Risks, Rewards
What early planting may mean to this year’s crop.
November 15, 2020 01:38 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Planting in a year that is far from normal.
Crop Production
Ken Ferrie: Planting Recommendations Differ From A ‘Normal’ Year
With the clock ticking down on prime planting season, Ken Ferrie says farmers may have to make some tough decisions this year.
November 15, 2020 01:38 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Teach you planter to dance in wet soils.
Crop Production
Ken Ferrie: Teach Your Corn Planter To Dance In Wet Field Conditions
A lot of farmers are planting corn in wet, less-than-ideal field conditions this spring. But you can make a bad situation better by teaching your planter how to dance.
November 15, 2020 01:37 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Boots In The Field
News
‘We’re Chasing An Additional 10 Bushels With Early Soybeans,’ Agronomist Says
Farmers in west-central Illinois and east-central Missouri are wrapping up the 2020 harvest, and many are seeing above-average crop yields.
November 15, 2020 01:05 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
corn illinois fall
Crop Production
Size up your Corn Crop before the Combines Roll
Track and field coaches regularly tell runners they must start strong and finish strong to win the race. The same can be said for growing corn. As you work toward a strong finish this fall, conduct pre-harvest field checks to help corn harvest go more smoothly. These recommendations will add bushels to the bin and set the groundwork for a successful 2018 season.
November 15, 2020 01:03 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
FJ 048 F14338 b 1
Crop Production
Preharvest Game Plan
As you work toward a strong finish this fall, conduct pre-harvest field checks to help corn harvest go more smoothly.
November 15, 2020 01:00 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Crop Production
Intensive Management Key to Growing High Corn Yields
Studying corn, understanding its nutrient and water needs, and taking a timely approach to agronomic practices builds crop yields, says this south-Georgia farmer.
November 15, 2020 01:00 PM
 · 
Rhonda Brooks
Load More