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

What Impact Will the Fed’s Rate Cut Have on Ag Markets?

Darren Frye, Water Street Advisory, says the Fed cutting interest rates by 50 basis points could be huge for agricultural markets.

September 18, 2024 05:45 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Grain and Livestock Markets End Mixed Amidst FOMC Decision

Darren Frye, Water Street Advisory, says the 50 basis point interest rate cut by the Fed was anticipated but is friendly for the ag markets.

September 18, 2024 03:01 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Soybeans Lead Grains Higher Early: While Livestock Chop Awaiting FOMC Announcement

Kent Beadle, Paradigm Futures, says November soybeans are finally above the 50 day moving average for a number of reasons, including more talk of China business.

September 18, 2024 09:36 AM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Cattle Close Strong Tuesday: Can the Market Build on It?

Brad Kooima, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says the cattle market has just felt better the last week with cash finally bottoming and futures posting a higher weekly close.

September 17, 2024 09:28 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Grains End Lower on Weather and Profit Taking: Cattle Futures Fade Better Cash

Mark Schultz, Northstar Commodity, says wheat led the grain complex lower after better rain forecasts for U.S. and Black Sea production areas, but all the grain markets ran into chart resistance.

September 16, 2024 02:27 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

With a Low in Cash Can Cattle Futures Rally Further? Grains Struggle Early Monday

Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says the cash cattle market put in a low last week and futures were sharply higher so the market just feels better. Soybeans and corn may have put in seasonal lows but he cautions further upside may be capped by harvest pressure.

September 16, 2024 09:46 AM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Did the September WASDE Help Confirm Seasonal Lows in the Grain Markets?

Corn and wheat ended higher for a third week, while soybeans have put in four weeks of higher closes. Alan Brugler thinks wheat might be trying to forge a low, but it might be too early to make that call on corn and soybeans.

September 13, 2024 03:15 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Cattle Higher Early on Better Cash News: Wheat Rallies but Can Row Crops Extend Post WASDE Gains?

Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek says early cash has been steady at $181 in the South helping to push cattle futures. Row crops are extending gains post WASDE, while wheat adds weather premium.

September 13, 2024 09:23 AM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

What Caused the Soybean Complex to Collapse Tuesday?

Dave Chatterton, Strategic Farm Marketing, says soybeans fell on a combination of factors including higher yield ideas in the USDA Report.

September 10, 2024 09:54 PM

Michelle Rook

Market Analysis

Soybeans Plunge Under $10, Pulling Down Corn as Yield Fears Resurface in the USDA Report

Dave Chatterton, Strategic Farm Marketing, says soybeans saw profit taking with better than expected ratings, reigniting fears of higher yields in the September WASDE. Corn saw spillover from lower soybeans and crude oil.

September 10, 2024 02:57 PM

Michelle Rook