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

Retail Industry

It’s Crunch Time: Countries Receive Letters on Tariff Increases as Implementation Date is Extended

On Monday, 14 countries received letters indicating tariff increases of 25% to 40%, including Japan and South Korea. Meanwhile, President Trump extended the implementation date for those tariffs to Aug. 1

July 08, 2025 11:05 PM

Michelle Rook

Retail Industry

Ag Commissioner Calls Deadly Flooding in Central Texas “Devastating”

The losses to the agricultural community won’t be known for a few weeks but are devastating and come just over a year after Texas was hit by the biggest wildfires in U.S. history.

July 08, 2025 07:48 AM

Michelle Rook

Retail Industry

Rollins Defends Trump Policies at House Ag Committee Hearing

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins was questioned by several House Ag Committee members about USDA’s cuts, including the impact of the 6,000 DOGE firings at the agency, that were later reinstated by the court.

June 11, 2025 08:41 PM

Michelle Rook

Retail Business

Biofuels in Flux: What 3 Key Policy Decisions Will Shape the Future of the Industry?

The Office of Management and Budget is currently holding stakeholder meetings on the mandated biofuels blending levels. However, EPA is also considering the backlog of Small Refinery Exemptions.

June 11, 2025 04:42 PM

Michelle Rook

Retail Industry

Spring Wheat Crop Off to Worst Start in 37 Years

Initial ratings for top producer, North Dakota, were just 37% good to excellent.

June 05, 2025 07:05 AM

Michelle Rook

Retail Industry

High Stakes and False Claims: Understanding the MAHA Report’s Impact

The recommendations in the recent report could impose steep economic and environmental costs on U.S. farmers by limiting access to glyphosate and atrazine for weed management.

June 02, 2025 01:05 PM

Michelle Rook

Retail Business

Farmers and Farm Groups Push Back on MAHA Report

Many farm organizations say the 68-page document released on Thursday is filled with “fear-based rather than science-based information about pesticides,” positioning that will sow seeds of distrust with the American public.

May 22, 2025 05:52 PM

Michelle Rook

Retail Business

51% of U.S. Wheat Crop Scores ‘Good to Excellent’ Rating

Parts of the Central and Southern Plains are seeing some beneficial rains, but did they come in time to improve the winter wheat crop? Farmers will know soon, as harvest generally begins in early to mid-June.

May 09, 2025 01:50 PM

Michelle Rook

Retail Industry

Vietnam’s Growing Middle Class and Need for Protein Provide Opportunities for U.S. Soy Exports

Vietnam has a 100 million people and a growing middle class looking to add protein to their diet. With limited soybean crushing capacity, the country currently depends on soybean meal imports for their livestock and aquaculture feed needs.

April 29, 2025 04:45 PM

Michelle Rook

Retail Industry

Rain Slows Record Start to Iowa Planting Season, but Farmers Optimistic About Early Finish

Shell Rock, Iowa, farmer Jeff Reints started planting corn on April 8 — the earliest ever on his farm. He got 50% of his corn and soybeans in the ground before 3 inches of rain parked the planters.

April 22, 2025 04:45 PM

Michelle Rook