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
Crop Tech - March 2018
Consider various options and which one will give you the best results
With resistance on the rise, farmers need to employ new control methods
You can still impact soybean yields this season through fertilizer management
Farmers and applicators should check state rules before applying the product
Manage fall-emerging weeds before they can cut into 2018 yields
Herbicide resistance trends show using multiple modes of action is increasingly critical
As glyphosate resistance stretches across the U.S. the need for alternative chemistries is at an all-time high. Your corn fields are likely better off than your soybeans fields because most troublesome resistant weeds are post emergent broadleaves that can often be controlled by herbicides used in corn production systems.
Today the Arkansas State Plant Board voted 10-3 to pass an April 16 to Oct. 31 in-season dicamba ban for soybeans and cotton. The decision came after five hours of hearing public comments and deliberation by the board. The ban, and fine increase to $25,000, comes after nearly 1,000 official complaints regarding alleged dicamba damage in the state. Monsanto representatives urged members of the board to consider information from BASF that stated on 52% of the soybean acres in the state with Xtend technology purchased the Engenia product. The company questioned whether or not that meant generic products were used. University representatives, scientists, farmers and others all spoke—both in favor of and opposed to the ban. Those in favor of the ban discussed effects on not only row crops, but gardens, trees and bee keeping as well. The approved rules will now move to the Arkansas Executive Subcommittee and later be signed by the governor to officially put it into law. Watch for more updates as the story unfolds.
Farmers from across the country saw their fair share of surprises this year, both pleasant and not so pleasant. Learn what farmers had to report from the combine seat on AgWeb’s Crop Comments section and the weekly Farmer Forum segment on “AgriTalk” the first two weeks of October.