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
As Old Man Winter fast approaches, many farmers will be left with a long to-do list come spring.
Snow is blanketing much of the U.S., which adds more complexity to an already-challenging harvest. Leaving corn and soybeans standing in fields over winter puts you at greater risk of yield loss in-field.
Corn is coming in wetter and with lower test weights than normal. For many farmers this might mean they don’t have the drying capacity to keep up with harvest—but does the local elevator?
During harvest, time is a valuable commodity for retailers and farmers. If your grain-truck driver can’t keep up, it might be necessary to hire more drivers.
At the end of the season every precious kernel you’ve slaved to produce that is entrusted in grain storage holds your farm’s future and your management of the grain helps dictate just how good of a future that will be.
A mycotoxin with the propensity to hurt livestock and even humans that consume it, fumonisin is making its way through parts of Okalahoma and Texas well-above normal levels. Farmers with the mold are likely to face discounts and possibly be unable to feed grain to livestock.
Study corn plants prior to harvest to see what when right and what when wrong with your nitrogen management strategy. Use this time to set yield expectations for this year and make corrections for next season.
Stalk rots, wind storms and other challenges throughout the year may mean you have down corn. While this is never ideal and often brings yield loss, you can manage your losses through a few steps.
Farmers with green stems or lodged soybeans may be in for a tricky harvest. Learn ways to maximize your yields while minimizing harvest loss and combine damage.
Learn how you can change practices to dramatically increase soybean yields.