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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

U.S. Soybean Farmers Make Major Investments in Mississippi River and Port Infrastructure

Dredging the Mississippi River to a depth of 50' allows 500,000 more soybean bushels to be loaded per vessel, which helps lower freight rates and adds to the value of the soybeans exported.

November 29, 2023 10:32 AM

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Port of South Louisiana Top Export Port for U.S. Grain Even with Historic Drought

The port of South Louisiana is the No. 1 export port for grain by volume in the U.S., so it’s important for U.S. farmers getting their product to export markets.

November 29, 2023 10:10 AM

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A Shift in the U.S. Soybean Market Brings New Opportunities for Meal Exports in Pacific Northwest

An increase in crushing capacity means there’s going to be more soybean meal available for export. To prepare for that transition, infrastructure improvements are being made at the Port of Grays Harbor in Washington.

November 29, 2023 09:53 AM

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Washington Produce and Pumpkin Farm Creates Family Memories and Traditions

From mid-September through October, thousands of pumpkin enthusiasts visit Siemers Farm in eastern Washington. Owner Burt Westover says they plant 53,000 seeds by hand each year and end up with 350,000 pounds of pumpkin.

November 03, 2023 10:26 AM

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I-80 Harvest Tour: Widespread Drought in Minnesota Cuts Yields, But Corn Still Better Than Expected

Drought hit farmers hard in Minnesota this season, so farmers are finding mixed results at harvest. Many are disappointed with soybeans but say their corn yields are better than expected.

November 01, 2023 05:01 PM

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I-80 Harvest Tour: Even with Heat and Drought Yields Not That Far Below 2022 in Many Areas of Iowa

With drought and heat stress in Iowa this season corn and soybean yields are variable, but not that far off of 2022.

October 26, 2023 02:39 PM

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I-80 Harvest Tour: Lingering Drought in South Dakota Produces Disappointing Soybean Yields but Surprises in Corn

It’s a tale of two crops in South Dakota with corn yields exceeding expectations while soybeans missed those late season rains and have been overall disappointing.

October 19, 2023 08:17 PM

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Low Mississippi River Levels Hit Soybean Exports, Freight Rates and Basis Levels: Corn Moving by Rail

The historically low water levels on the Mississippi River have caused a trifecta in the soybean market. Its increased freight weights, slammed basis levels and taken a real toll on exports.

October 09, 2023 09:07 AM

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Fall Planted Cover Crops Can Break a Corn Soybean Rotation and Improve Soil Health

Fall is a great time for farmers to plant cover crops to improve soil health.

September 28, 2023 10:21 AM

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I-80 Harvest Tour: Missouri Drought Hurts Statewide Yields but Harvest Results in Some Areas Buck That Trend

Corn harvest in Missouri is at 28% complete, with soybean harvest at only 4%. While Missouri was hit by drought this year which will cut yield average, some areas are bucking that trend.

September 28, 2023 10:20 AM

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