Michelle Rook

National Reporter

Michelle Rook is a national agricultural reporter and market analyst for Farm Journal’s AgDay and U.S. Farm Report, and she is the host of Markets Now. With expertise in commodity markets, grain trading, and agricultural journalism, she delivers daily market updates and analysis to farmers nationwide. She earned the NAFB Farm Broadcaster of the Year award and the prestigious Doan Excellence in Reporting Award.

Latest Stories

News

Diesel Prices Spike on Iran Conflict Just Ahead of Planting Season

Strait of Hormuz disruptions and refinery attacks drive fuel costs higher as farmers face a 2026 planting season crunch.

March 04, 2026 09:54 AM

Michelle Rook

News

Conflict in Iran Ripples Through Global Fertilizer Markets, Raises Prices Even Higher

As the Strait of Hormuz faces potential closure, experts warn of supply chain disruptions just as U.S. farmers prepare for spring planting.

March 02, 2026 10:01 PM

Michelle Rook

News

House Ag Committee Starts Farm Bill Mark Up

Why is a long-term farm bill even needed with the provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill? Industry leaders explain their views on the issue.

March 02, 2026 09:36 AM

Michelle Rook

Industry

Smithfield Foods Announces New Pork Processing Plant in South Dakota

The facility will be located on the northwest edge of Sioux Falls in Foundation park and will replace their 115 year old downtown plant, which had become outdated.

February 19, 2026 09:46 PM

Michelle Rook

Market News

Why Can’t Soybeans Bottom With China Purchases? Are They Buying Corn?

Ted Seifried with Zaner Ag Hedge says rumors of China purchases circulate nearly every time the corn market rallies.

December 18, 2025 03:25 PM

Michelle Rook

Hog Production

Disease and Mortality Cut Into Pork Profitability

Despite the use of modern technology and heightened biosecurity, Mother Nature continues to stay one step ahead of the swine industry when it comes to disease.

November 26, 2025 05:46 AM

Michelle Rook

Ag Policy

Is China a National Security Threat to U.S. Agriculture?

A new report spotlights how agricultural acquisitions and business strategy linked to the Chinese government have amassed production and power, and it’s being called into question by policy thinktank America First Policy Institute (AFPI).

November 06, 2025 03:22 PM

Margy Eckelkamp

Markets

Hogs Ease After Big Rally, Cattle Hit Record Highs and Soybeans Gain After Trump/Xi Call

Jeff Hoogendoorn, with Professional Ag Marketing, says hogs ended mixed Wednesday, consolidating after the recent rally driven by higher cash and cutouts. While soybeans rallied after the Trump/Xi call.

June 05, 2025 03:11 PM

Michelle Rook

Industry

Why Did the Ag Markets Fade China Trade Talk News?

Dave Chatterton, Strategic Farm Marketing, says the markets faded the news as the realization set in that no major breakthroughs in the trade talks are expected and a long term trade deal with China could take quite some time.

May 07, 2025 03:05 PM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Grains Mixed, Livestock Lower After China Flip Flop, Exports, Weather

Mike Minor, Professional Ag Marketing, says grain and livestock futures are seeing consolidation with an eye on China trade news, exports and weather.

April 24, 2025 10:01 AM

Michelle Rook