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 Ease With Energy Markets as Safe Passage Ensured Through Strait of Hormuz

Grain markets were lower on Wednesday morning as Rich Nelson of Allendale says they are seeing spillover from easing energy markets.

March 04, 2026 10:58 AM

Michelle Rook

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

Market Analysis

Grains End Mostly Higher: Still Trying to Determine if War is Bullish or Bearish

Ted Seifred of Zaner Ag Hedge says while the rally in the energy markets is bullish for grains, the higher dollar and possible demand destruction from the Iran war are bearish. The market is trying to determine which will win out.

March 03, 2026 04:00 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Soybeans Bounce with China Talks Continuing, But Will Grains See Inflationary Buying?

Kevin Duling with KD Investors says if crude oil continues to climb the funds may buy grains as a hedge against inflation and there has been some of that showing up already.

March 03, 2026 10:44 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

Market Analysis

Grains See Profit Taking, Risk Off Selling on Iran Conflict, Fears of China Canceling April Summit

Chuck Shelby with Risk Management Commodities says the uncertainty in the grain markets caused some risk off selling by traders but futures ended off session lows.

March 02, 2026 04:02 PM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Cattle and Grains See Risk Off Selling on Iran Conflict: Have Cattle Topped?

Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says the grain and cattle futures are reacting negatively to the uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict.

March 02, 2026 10:47 AM

Michelle Rook

Policy

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

Policy

Farm Groups Say Increased Demand is the Solution to the Farm Economic Woes, Not Aid

The nation’s farm groups are pushing for increased demand through biofuels and trade.

March 01, 2026 11:47 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Grain Markets Score Higher Weekly and Monthly Closes: Can They Build on it in March?

Naomi Blohm with Total Farm Marketing says the higher monthly closes for all the grains were bullish and there are several factors that need to come together for it to continue.

February 27, 2026 06:28 PM

Michelle Rook