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
Switching part of your acres to no-till is as simple as just parking the tillage tractor, right? Maybe not. Here are a few considerations before trying no-till for the first time.
When farmland draws a premium, you’d expect the soil to be in good shape, right? More landowners are considering fertility clauses in their farm leases to ensure tenants don’t suck the soil dry.
The nitrogen-fixing power of soybeans is a dream for corn and other crops – but what if you could harness that power through microbes? Sound Agriculture is introducing SOURCE that claims to do just that.
What you did this past fall, what you’re doing this spring and the plans you’re making for the summer will make a huge difference in the combine at the end of the year.
With three modes of action that provide corn rootworm control, Bayer’s SmartStax Pro will hit the market at a time when corn rootworm resistance is top-of-mind.
Prior to Bt technologies farmers lost $1 billion annually to CRW—in the form of chemical costs or actual yield loss. With resistance to traits on the rise, it might nibble its way back to a billion-dollar price tag.
With renewed focus on no-till and reduced tillage, how can you experience the greatest financial and positive environmental impact? Do you have to cut back on tillage every acre to maximize the benefits?
With enthusiasm from favorable market prices at a high, many farmers are wondering if it’s time to consider corn-on-corn or soybean-on-soybeans. Ken Ferrie says important to understand the agronomic challenges of each.
Depending on what stage of the crop’s lifecycle the weeds emerge, growers could see weaker, suppressed weeds that don’t steal as much yield, or strong, huge weeds that wreak havoc.
In a split second one life ended, and dozens of lives would never be the same. Ralph Griesbaum was practically born operating a tractor, it was like breathing, but hazards are always present in ag operations.