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

Ethanol Production Drops to Levels Not Seen Since the Pandemic: What is the Cause?

United States ethanol production has slowed the last several weeks and is now at levels not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 29, 2022 09:31 AM

Michelle Rook

Fed Makes Historic Move Raising Rates 75 Basis Points: Signals More Pain Well Into 2023

The Federal Reserve made history on Wednesday, approving a third consecutive 75-basis-point hike. It was largely anticipated by the market, but the key is what’s next?

September 22, 2022 02:01 PM

Michelle Rook

Dollar Continues to Make Fresh 20-Year Highs Post Fed Announcement: When Will it Peak?

Ahead of the Fed announcement the U.S. dollar index traded at fresh 20-year highs and that followed into Thursday’s session. When will it peak?

September 22, 2022 01:58 PM

Michelle Rook

Prevent Grain Bin Accidents by Keeping Grain in Good Condition

As a new crop goes in the bin, be mindful of storage best practices and keep safety top of mind.

September 20, 2022 09:56 AM

Michelle Rook

Fertilizer Movement Already Being Hit by Looming Rail Strike

Rail shipments are already starting to shut down ahead of a possible strike which could begin as early as this Friday and it couldn’t come at a worse time for agriculture.

September 14, 2022 11:57 AM

Michelle Rook

Fireworks from the WASDE Comes in an Unexpected Place

Corn and soybeans are pushing higher after some surprises in the September USDA Supply and Demand Report. Wheat mostly lower. Livestock mixed. Michelle Rook gets analysis with Matt Bennett of AgMarket.Net.

September 13, 2022 02:54 PM

Michelle Rook

Lingering California Drought, Water Restrictions and Record Heat Force Tough Decisions for the State’s Farmers

Lingering drought in California has continued to cut into fruit and vegetable production this season and force farmers to make tough decisions about how to allocate their scarce water resources.

September 12, 2022 08:42 AM

Michelle Rook

Writing Farm Bill in Time of High Prices Pits Farm Group Wishes Against Budget Realities

House and Senate Ag Committee members have a tough job ahead of them writing the 2023 farm bill. They’ll have to balance Republican plans to cut federal spending with desires from farm groups.

September 06, 2022 02:41 PM

Michelle Rook

Ag Research Investments: Is the U.S. Falling Behind or is the Rest of the World Catching Up?

U.S. farmers have long been the envy of the world when it comes to their technological advancements. However, since 2000 other countries have surpassed the U.S. in agricultural research and development spending.

September 02, 2022 08:07 AM

Michelle Rook

Do State Bonds or Indemnity Funds Need Updating with Higher Commodity Prices?

B&B Farm Store defaulted on an estimated $1.3 million of grain they bought from 60 Jesup, Iowa area farmers. But that may not make farmers whole and points to a bigger problem.

September 01, 2022 12:48 PM

Michelle Rook