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.

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

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

News

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

News

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

Agriculture News

Confidence in USDA Reports Erodes as USDA Launches Internal Review

Confidence in USDA reports is wavering after recent acreage misses, leaving many producers and retailers skeptical. While experts call it the “best data available,” transparency is needed to restore industry trust.

February 18, 2026 01:45 PM

Michelle Rook

News

U.S.-China Trade Truce Extension Fuels Hope in Agriculture for Final Deal in April

An official with the Chinese embassy in the U.S. confirms President Trump and Chinese President Xi might be getting ready to sign a permanent trade deal when they meet in China in April.

February 13, 2026 10:20 AM

Michelle Rook

News

U.S. Soybeans at a Crossroads: Navigating China Trade and Brazil’s Rise

Beyond China’s political goodwill purchases and Brazil’s soybean showdown, the U.S. is eyeing a 30% surge in domestic processing. To stay resilient, farmers are advised to focus on profit margins rather than volume.

February 11, 2026 05:55 PM

Clinton Griffiths

News

What President Trump’s Support Means for E15 and Corn Farmers

Monte Shaw with the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association says the president’s direction to Congress could be the game changer to pass E15 legislation after a decade-long fight.

January 28, 2026 05:36 PM

Michelle Rook

News

Will Land Values Remain Resilient in 2026 in The Face of a Farm Crisis?

After years of steady growth, the U.S. agricultural land market is shifting and stabilizing.

January 18, 2026 04:01 PM

Michelle Rook

News

Will 2026 Finally Be the Year for Immigration and Ag Labor Reform?

The debate over immigration and ag labor reform has been a political hot potato for decades now and has led to inaction by Congress, but leaders of the House and Senate Ag Committees say they are making it a priority for 2026.

January 13, 2026 04:50 PM

Michelle Rook