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

Weather

Ag Meterologists Worry More Drought Lies Ahead

Much of the West, Southwest and upper Midwest could use more moisture. Beef and dairy producers and their veterinarians might want to do some contingency planning for what’s shaping up to be a dry spring.

February 24, 2025 11:41 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Hog Production

The Tax Man Cometh To The Farm

Three key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in December. Planning now can help farmers prepare financially if the provisions aren’t extended, says CPA Paul Neiffer.

February 19, 2025 02:55 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Ag Policy

USDA’s Rollins: ‘Let’s Go Barnstorm The World And Find New Partners’ For Trade

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins kicked off the 2025 Top Producer Summit on Tuesday morning, detailing her plan to advocate for trade. ‘We want to find market access for all our products,’ Rollins said.

February 18, 2025 12:50 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Weather

‘Stay Tuned, We’ll Be Right Back With Your Forecast’

Long-time meterologist Gary Lezak says he can predict with 91% accuracy significant weather events that will occur for the next seven to eight months. Check out three of the predictions his team shares for this spring.

February 01, 2025 09:02 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Ag Policy

Iowa Secretary of Ag Weighs In on The H5N1 Battle, Vaccine Potential And Trade Sensitivities

Sec. Mike Naig says the U.S. government is using what he describes as a three-legged stool approach to address the virus in the dairy and poultry industries.

January 29, 2025 07:53 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Industry

New Study Says Domestic Cats Need To Be Evaluated More For HPAI H5N1 Implications

The report echoes calls by other scientists to ramp up the surveillance of felines, which are susceptible to the virus and have a high mortality rate. The AVMA says several cases in cats linked to poultry or wild bird exposure had been reported before the outbreak began in dairy cows last spring.

January 13, 2025 03:07 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Opinion

I’m Going Into 2025 With Increased Concerns About HPAI H5N1

Scientists are ringing bells of warning about this virus, telling us to take action now. I hope we’re listening.

January 02, 2025 09:14 AM

Rhonda Brooks

In July, U.S. pork exports topped the record held since April 2018, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Market News

Pork Export Demand ‘Back On Track’

U.S. Meat Export Federation announces new records for volume and value for pork exports will be achieved in 2024. While not as strong, beef exports are holding their own, led by Mexico purchases.

October 11, 2024 09:04 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Ag Policy

Need A Veterinarian In Your Area? Then Support This Legislation Now

Less than 5% of new grads choose rural food animal practice. That needs to change to protect the U.S. food supply and public health. Contacting legislators is one way farmers and ranchers can weigh in and help.

September 26, 2024 10:37 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Industry

Top 10 Veterinary Colleges Announced

Three U.S. schools are included in the list.

September 26, 2024 04:29 PM

Rhonda Brooks