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

Industry

Texas-Sized Problems Hit the Lone Star State, but Ag Commissioner says ‘Things are Getting Better’

Sid Miller, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, says the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza impacting beef cattle in the state’s panhandle – where dairy cows have been infected – is minimal.

April 04, 2024 04:26 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Education

Angus Association to Host Webinar Addressing Bovine Congestive Heart Failure

As cattle are fed to heavier end points, the incidence of BCHF is increasing. The beef industry is stepping up to help producers and veterinarians make production and selection decisions to reduce the occurrence of BCHF.

April 04, 2024 08:23 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Industry

Twelve Cases of HPAI in Dairy Cattle Confirmed in Five States

Livestock producers and veterinarians are urged to practice good biosecurity practices to prevent transmission of the disease. Five states have also issued restrictions on dairy cattle movement.

April 03, 2024 01:54 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Education

BSEs can Add Dollars to Producer Pockets, Thanks to Improved Calf Weaning Weights

Turning out a subfertile bull means some cows in the herd won’t get bred or bred in a timely manner. Both problems are costly, says Chance Armstrong, DVM, Auburn University. Check out the two scenarios he outlines here.

March 18, 2024 02:13 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Veterinary Education

BSEs help Veterinarians Provide a $7 ROI for every $1 Cow-Calf Producers Invest, on Average

Bulls passing all four parts of a BSE are set up for reproductive excellence. The best achieve a 60% to 65% conception rate every 21 days on healthy, cycling cows, says Dr. Chance Armstrong. Subfertile bulls are costly.

March 08, 2024 11:41 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Education

Four Steps Veterinarians Can Take To Help Producers Transition To Beef-On-Dairy

Beef-on-dairy numbers in the U.S. will reach up to 5 million head – roughly 15% of the cattle harvested annually – as early as 2026. The sexed-and-beef model of production will play a prominent role in the process.

February 27, 2024 06:18 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Veterinary Research

Bovine Veterinary Salary and Benefits Survey Results

There were 720 completed and usable survey responses from all 13 districts of the AABP in the United States and Canada. For veterinarians in private practice, mean-reported income was $143,333.

January 30, 2024 01:54 PM

Rhonda Brooks

The MST simulates pressure in the birth canal during the second stage of labor.

Education

Milk Feeding Makeover for Young Calves

Early calf nutrition – at the milk phase stage, in particular – is only now getting the level of attention it deserves, says Jim Drackley, University of Illinois. Now, many farms are feeding 6 to 8 liters-plus per day.

January 15, 2024 09:50 AM

Rhonda Brooks

Veterinary Awards

Dr. Del Miles Receives Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Industry Leadership Award

With more than 30 years in feedyard medicine and consulting, Miles is known in the beef industry for innovation, advocacy and applying scientific methods to evaluate, adopt and monitor products and practices.

December 11, 2023 12:46 PM

Rhonda Brooks

Veterinary Awards

Dr. Leon “Sam” Barringer Honored With AVC Consultant of the Year Award

As a consulting veterinarian, Dr. Barringer works with Diamond V ruminant teams. He is also a highly decorated military leader and has deployed both as an Army and Air Force officer.

December 01, 2023 05:26 PM

Rhonda Brooks