Rhonda Brooks

Agronomy Editor, Farm Journal

Rhonda Brooks is the Agronomy Editor for Farm Journal and AgWeb, covering all aspects of crop production. A Missouri native with a background in agricultural communications, she has previously worked on multiple Farm Journal brands.

Latest Stories

Education

AgriSafe Network Offers ‘Total Farmer Health Tools’ To Support Mental Well-Being

New resources and peer-to-peer support networks are available to help combat rising rates of anxiety and depression in rural America.

May 12, 2026 02:33 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Education

From Forage to Fertilizer: Iowa Farmers Turn Cover Crops Into A Profit Engine

The Smith family captures value from cover crops twice—first as high-quality cattle feed and then as biological fuel for no-till corn and soybeans.

March 13, 2026 12:34 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ag Policy

Will Congressional Inaction Force Farmers to Choose Between Health Insurance and Their Farm Budget?

Farmers need to be prepared to pay substantially more for their coverage in 2026, unless Congress acts now to address the impending price surge.

December 15, 2025 04:40 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Industry

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Costs Dip By 5%

Annual survey shows a traditional meal with all the fixings will require fewer dollars per person this year. But look to shell out more dollars if turkey isn’t the only meat on your menu.

November 19, 2025 11:09 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Education

From Corn to Cattle: Farmers Pivot to Create Profit

Some row-crop growers are converting acres, banking on long-term opportunities with beef. Others are staying the course with crops but embracing ways to add some dollars to their bottom line in the short-term.

October 23, 2025 12:05 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Industry

West Nile Virus Activity Spikes to 20-Year High in the Midwest

Elevated levels of the disease are trending currently, and are of ‘serious concern’ over the next eight weeks, say researchers.

August 14, 2025 03:03 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ag Policy

Could EPA Decision Signal The Beginning Of The End For DEF?

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin proposes rescinding the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. If the proposal goes into effect, it could potentially lead to DEF systems no longer being required in tractors, trucks and other equipment using diesel-powered engines — a decision many farmers and others in the ag community would applaud.

July 31, 2025 11:05 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Weather

Searing Temperatures In Store For the Week

Portions of the central Plains, the Upper Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic will be in a heat dome by Tuesday. But first, those regions will see thunderstorms and heavy rains this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

July 18, 2025 03:30 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Hiring the right employees is important to a profitable dairy.

Education

3 Ways To Help Producers Be Ready If ICE Shows Up At The Farm

It is important that dairy and beef producers are prepared for a visit from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. AABP offers some practical steps to take now, including how to interact with agents, recognize valid warrants, and, most importantly, put legal counsel in place in advance.

July 14, 2025 03:29 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Farmings Next Generation - The Scoop - April 2024 - The Upcoming Era of Ag Retail.jpg

Education

Overcome the No. 1 Challenge in Passing Down Your Family Farm

While 69% of farmers expect to transfer their operation to the next generation of family members, too many are misplacing their time and efforts, according to The Williams Group. The company offers 5 recommendations that can help farmers and other business owners course correct.

June 30, 2025 01:28 PM

Rhonda Brooks