Sonja Begemann

Sonja Begemann provides information about seeds, chemicals and anything that affects crop production. A recent graduate of the University of Missouri (Science and Agricultural Journalism), Sonja is excited to help provide farmers with information they need to know. She has a strong background in row crop production and learned valuable agronomic skills in corn, soybeans, sorghum and alfalfa. Her roots in agriculture began with both of her grandparents, who were corn and soybean farmers and continued to grow throughout her childhood on a small family farm where she raised chickens and pigs for 4-H and FFA. When Sonja looks to relax she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking and doing anything outside.

Latest Stories
After several days of rain in recent weeks the majority of corn growing states are officially drought free—and in some cases looking more like lakes than fields. For young corn seedlings, continued pounding rain could compound pest problems and even lead to replant.
To increase in-season aerial imagery and enhance crop analysis, Climate Corporation is partnering with Ceres Imaging, TerrAvion and Agribotix. Farmers will have access to additional high-resolution images on top of Climate’s current interconnected platform.
Following record crops and record grain stocks, farmers are finding new ways to use corn. Ethanol and animal feed seem to be old hat, making way for new uses such as shoes, car cushions and moisturizers.
Partnering with Kaiima, an Israel-based plant breeding company, Beck’s is working to create better corn hybrids, faster. The collaboration follows a three year program assessing Kaiima’s EP technology in Beck’s corn germplasm.
Starting in 2018, AgReliant Genetics will go from eight representative brands to three—transitioning more than half of their brands into LG Seeds.
Amid rumors and anti-GMO messaging, one researcher is striving to use genetic modification to not just improve crop health, but potentially save consumer lives. Aspergillus, which creates carcinogenic aflatoxin, can now be controlled through genetic modification.
EPA reviews put popular chemicals under the magnifying glass
Haven antitranspirant, a biostimulant made by Marrone Bio, is a compound applied to leaves to reduce transpiration (water evaporation from leaves) to cool plants.
Today FMC corporation and DuPont signed an agreement to sell FMC the portion of DuPont’s crop protection business European Commission required DuPont to divest to merge with Dow Chemical Company.
This year, Agricomseeds is offering its first natural corn trait focused on increasing yield. Leadgrain, the new trait, uses multiple genes to more than double ovules at the cob matrix, which leads to ear expansion for more kernels per plant.