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

Market Analysis

Grains Close Mostly Higher Except Corn After Fed Decision: Await China Summit, Harvest

Garrett Toay of AgTraderTalk grain markets traded lower heading into the Fed decision and after the rate hike was announced it rallied to close mostly higher except for corn.

September 16, 2026 05:01 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Soybeans Retest Highs Pre-China Summit: Grains Eye War, Harvest and Fed Decision

DuWayne Bosse of Bolt Marketing says soybeans retested last week’s contract highs with strong export demand and crush and the market is optimistic about the U.S. China Summit.

September 16, 2026 11:23 AM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Soybeans Lead Grain Rally on Strong Demand, Energy Prices and Meal: Cattle Correct

Sam Hudson of Cornbelt Marketing says the rally the last two month has been driven by crush and renewed export demand from China.

September 15, 2026 05:22 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Soybeans Recover on Demand, China Summit Hopes: Cattle See Profit Taking

John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing says higher product values and strong demand are supporting the soybean futures.

September 15, 2026 10:56 AM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Corn, Soybeans Bounce with Demand, Energy Prices, Wheat’s a Drag: Cattle Follow Cash

Mike Zuzolo with Global Commodity Analytics says corn and soybeans were supported by strong export inspections and higher energy markets. Wheat fell after the President’s post about Russia and Ukraine agreeing not to target energy and food infrastructure.

September 14, 2026 05:01 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Cattle Extend Gains with Strong Cash, Technicals: Will Funds Return to Buy?

Joe Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says while last week’s higher weekly closes send a strong signal a bottom is in place in the cattle market, he’s not ready to say funds will be piling back in to buy yet.

September 14, 2026 10:44 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Has the Soybean Market Topped?

Jerry Gulke president of The Gulke Group says it isn’t surprising to see profit taking in the soybeans with the funds holding a near record long position.

September 11, 2026 07:59 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Grains End Lower Post-WASDE: Is the Rally Over?

Dan Basse, president of Ag Resource Company, says the corn yield figure was very close to the trade guess and largely priced into the market.

September 11, 2026 05:11 PM

Michelle Rook

September WASDE Report_Corn and Soybean Yield Web.jpg

USDA Reports

USDA Cuts Corn Yield to 178.5 Bu., Nudges Soybeans Slightly Higher in September Report

Despite widespread concerns over summer weather damage, USDA’s September WASDE corn yield came in almost exactly where the trade expected, which left stocks-to-use, not yield, as the number driving the market.

September 11, 2026 12:54 PM

Tyne Morgan

Market Analysis

Cattle Rally but What Will it Take for the Recovery to Continue?

Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek says the recovery in the cattle market this week feels good but he is watching for several signs to feel confident about sustaining it.

September 11, 2026 10:44 AM

Michelle Rook