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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
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Education
Asian Longhorned Tick Now Found in 19 States
USDA calls these exotic arachnids “invasive pests that pose a serious threat to livestock.” Large numbers can infest a single animal, impacting growth and performance and, in extreme cases, causing death.
May 08, 2024 08:08 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
Ground Meat by Chad Carr
Dairy Business News
Ground Beef Tests Negative for H5N1, says USDA-APHIS
USDA-FSIS said it collected 30 samples from “states with dairy cattle herds that had tested positive for the H5N1 influenza virus at the time of sample collection.” No virus particles were found to be present.
May 02, 2024 10:46 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Dairy Business News
H5N1 Mandatory Testing For Interstate Movement Of Dairy Cattle In Effect
The agency will provide reimbursement for testing at an approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratory.
April 29, 2024 01:27 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Dairy Business News
A Message to the Ag Industry about H5N1
The livestock industry needs a comprehensive, cohesive plan to address the virus. Producers, their employees and veterinarians need clear answers and support from U.S. agricultural leadership, moving forward.
April 26, 2024 03:49 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
Inflation Money
Dairy Business News
New CoBank Report says Federal Reserve is on the ‘Horns of a Dilemma’
Unrelenting inflation continues to weigh down the U.S. economy and agriculture. Still, CoBank says it believes the Fed will stick with its decision to cut interest rates three times in 2024.
April 16, 2024 10:47 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Education
AABP Decides to Reference Cattle Disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV)
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners is making the name change, as it more accurately reflects the issue.
April 09, 2024 01:57 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Education
Six Questions One Industry Veterinarian Says She Is Asked Most Often About HPAI
Kay Russo, DVM, Novonesis technical services manager for dairy and poultry, emphasized the situation is rapidly evolving and more clarity will come with time as researchers learn more.
April 07, 2024 01:59 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Education
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
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Rhonda Brooks
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Education
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
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Rhonda Brooks
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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
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Rhonda Brooks
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Education
Nine Ways to Help Resuscitate A Newborn Calf
After a typical birth a calf should breathe within 30 seconds of delivery. If it doesn’t, be ready to intervene and provide extra support.
November 21, 2023 03:05 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Dairy Production
Look for Subclinical Stages of Hypocalcemia When Metabolic Alkalosis is Present
The problem occurs in nearly 50% of cows in the first 24 hours after calving, says Jesse Goff, DVM and ISU professor emeritus. He details four nutrition strategies to prevent or treat the problem so cows aren’t culled.
October 24, 2023 11:41 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
Farm bill - capitol - grain system - soybean field - corn field - By Lindsey Pound
Policy
House Nominates Scalise for Speaker, the Farm Bill Needs an Extension
Work by the House or Senate Agriculture Committee on a new farm bill is essentially stalled, Randy Russell tells AgriTalk’s Chip Flory. Russell says that could be the case until government funding issues are resolved.
October 11, 2023 04:43 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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New Products
New Lidocaine-Infused Band Reduces Castration Pain, Discomfort
Solvet Lidoband is approved for use in calves under 250 pounds and in lambs under 50 pounds. The local, soothing anesthesia works for up to 42 days, helping veterinarians and producers improve animal well-being.
September 27, 2023 11:14 AM
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Rhonda Brooks
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Education
Cows Will Tell You Whether They’re Happy With How They’re Milked
Paul Virkler, DVM, Cornell University, says teat end scoring is a good way to gather insights on a dairy’s milking processes and whether adjustments are needed to improve an individual cow’s comfort and care.
August 28, 2023 04:40 PM
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Rhonda Brooks
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