Crossword Genius

Sticks in America an advantage with crops (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boondocks

'sticks in america' is the definition.
(US term for the countryside ie 'the sticks')

'an advantage with crops' is the wordplay.
'an advantage' becomes 'boon' (both can mean a benefit or asset).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'crops' becomes 'docks' (both can mean to cut or trim).
'boon'+'docks'='BOONDOCKS'

(Other definitions for boondocks that I've seen before include "Remote inland area" , "dull provincial place" , "American sticks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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