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

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

Education

Northwest Iowa Farm Serves Up 12 Days of Ice Cream for the Holidays

Stensland Family Farmers started their creamery to diversify their Northwest Iowa farm. Today they make over 80 flavors of ice cream at the farm and this time of year offer many holiday favorites and promotions.

December 24, 2025 10:18 AM

Michelle Rook

Travis Ties - Milk Business Award Winner 2025 Employee Excellence.jpg

News

Travis Ties: Contributing to the Success at Holdgrafer Dairy for 25 Years

Travis Ties serves many roles at Holdgrafer Dairy, including the head of feed operations for the 400-cow dairy located near Bellevue, Iowa. He’s been named the winner of the 2025 MILK Business Employee Excellence Award.

December 03, 2025 08:00 AM

Michelle Rook

Dairy Business News

Why Aren’t High Beef Prices Causing Sticker Shock With Consumers?

Market analysts attribute the strong beef demand to several factors including the consumer craze for protein.

July 23, 2025 12:28 PM

Michelle Rook

Labor

What The Trump Administration’s Mass Deportation Plans Could Mean for Agriculture

Nearly half of all farmworkers are undocumented, and industries such as dairy and meatpacking plants are especially vulnerable to labor shortages.

December 23, 2024 10:48 AM

Michelle Rook

Dairy Business News

What Impact Will Tariffs Have on Ag Markets and the Broader Economy?

Jim McCormick with AgMarket.Net says Mexico, Canada and China are the top three export customers of the U.S. and account for 40% of total exports. So, if these countries retaliate it could be devasting for trade and ag markets.

December 02, 2024 11:23 AM

Michelle Rook

Milk Prices

How FMMO Changes Could Actually Impact Your Milk Check

International Dairy Foods Association analysis suggests that the average gallon of milk will only increase by 11 cents.

November 15, 2024 04:35 PM

Michelle Rook

Dairy Business News

State of the Dairy Industry: Study Indicates Continued Growth Presents Challenges and Opportunities

Ever.Ag Insights president Phil Plourd, says “It is a street fight, in terms of figuring out ways to stay relevant, to get more productive, to stay ahead of the curve to manage risk better.”

May 26, 2024 11:57 AM

Michelle Rook

Education

Robotic Technology Helps These Dairies Become Better

Smart farming robotic technology is all in the name of cow comfort, efficiency and productivity.

March 15, 2024 04:41 PM

Michelle Rook

Dairy Production

Flip Your Soil: How Dairy Producers are Saving Money with Manure

Manure used to be viewed as a nuisance that had to be dealt with. Now, as fertilizer prices head north, it’s viewed as a regenerative way to cut costs while replenishing needed nutrients.

October 19, 2023 02:33 PM

Michelle Rook