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
With acres left to harvest farmers are ringing in the season with Christmas carols and visions of harvested corn and soybeans dancing in their heads.
From set up to winter maintenance, you will want to stay on top of grain bag management practices to make sure the storage system is successful. Here are eight ways to do that:
Diversifying his operation and including manure management put him on the road to regenerative agriculture. Today these practices provide him with premiums and new commodity sales potential.
To provide additional options to farmers, BASF recently acquired L-glufosinate ammonium from AgriMetis.
The agency announced its interim decision regarding these herbicides Friday, answering questions for farmers across the U.S. as atrazine is the No. 2 most used herbicide.
In an exclusive licensing agreement, BASF will launch the brand Xitavo soybean seed by MS Technologies. All 19 of the new varieties feature Enlist E3 technology and will be available 2021 and beyond.
With drought comes yield and grain quality concerns. Here’s what you need to know about what drought does in corn, and what you should expect at harvest. Stay tuned for a soybean update later this week.
If you start to notice more stress in your plants, especially corn, check for spider mites with a magnifying glass. If left unchecked, they can kill leaves and reduce photosynthetic capabilities of plants.
With corn pollination over for much of the crop, it’s time to start scouting for ear count and pollination success. In some areas, drought, wind and other challenges might mean ear counts are lower than expected.
The basis of yield starts with genetics. Scientists use advanced systems to improve genetics rapidly and target specific defenses for the changing agricultural landscape.