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
Cutworms, weather, whatever, scout to determine what’s going on—and save time by calculating soybean populations with a hula hoop.
No yield or number on a check is worth someone getting hurt on your farm. Take care to mind safety guidelines for both farm practices and products.
When you look at a bag of corn seed, somewhere you’ll find information about corn refuge requirements. In states or varieties without the in-bag refuge option follow refuge requirements.
As corn pokes through the soil it’s susceptible to a wide variety of attacks. From insects to disease, attacking organisms see young corn as easy prey—and an attack could be detrimental to yield.
As you prepare for planting, make sure you’re following treated seed stewardship guidelines.
Planting is underway or quickly approaching for many farmers—namely those away from floodwaters in the eastern Corn Belt.
In challenging years, every bushel counts. To give your crop a fighting chance at profitability, you’ll want to keep an eye out for yield-robbing corn seedling diseases.
Manage your time, weeds and previous stands to maximize yields
Overlapping germplasm can hit your pocketbook and reduce crop diversity
Prepare for additional challenges when planting soybeans on soybeans