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

Markets

Grain and Livestock Rally on China Tariff Easing, Mexican Cattle Ban on NWS

The markets have several big headlines they’re digesting including news over the weekend that China and the U.S. are de-escalating the tariff war.

May 12, 2025 09:55 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Cattle Markets Shatter Records: Corn Finally Bounces with Soybeans

Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says cattle continue to hit all-time highs in cash and futures. While corn is seeing some short covering after new lows for the move on Thursday.

May 09, 2025 09:53 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Grains See Pressure: Cattle Hit More Record Highs Early Monday

Brad Kooima, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says cash cattle trade was record high again last week with $223 live paid in much of the North and even a few $224 trades to a regional. Grains are mostly lower.

May 05, 2025 09:49 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Grains in the Green on China Hopes: Cattle on Record Cash

Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says cattle futures continue to hold strong with more record cash. While grains are also in the green on value buying and trade hopes.

May 02, 2025 09:42 AM

Michelle Rook

Market Reports

Cattle Market Continues to Shatter Records

Last week’s 5-area weighted average cash cattle price hit a new high at $216.32, up $3.56 from the previous record set March 21.

April 29, 2025 04:53 PM

Michelle Rook

Industry

USDA Threatens To Halt Imports If Mexico Doesn’t Step Up New World Screwworm Control

Mexico has until April 30 to follow protocol to stop the spread of the pest and eliminate current restrictions slowing eradication.

April 28, 2025 03:48 PM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Grains Sink Early Monday: Cattle Make New Highs in Cash and Futures

Brad Kooima, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says grains are seeing pressure on weather. However, both live and feeder cattle futures are making new contract and all-time highs on last week’s record cash.

April 28, 2025 09:48 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Grains Consolidate After Bean Breakout: Cattle 2-Sided Watching Cash, S&P

Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says live cattle traded two-sided early Friday as the market awaits larger scale cash development with stronger prices anticipated. Grains are quietly mixed.

April 25, 2025 09:59 AM

Michelle Rook

Beef Production

Mild Winter for Calving Helps Protect Valuable Asset

“I have seen minimal problems with scours and pneumonia. I think this set of calves moving to grass is as good as I’ve seen when I look back over the last 10 years,” says one Iowa veterinarian.

April 24, 2025 10:30 AM

Michelle Rook

Ag Policy

U.S. Farmers Relieved With Port Fee Revisions and Exemptions

The original proposal would have resulted in millions of dollars of fees per vessel, thus lowering commodity prices. The revisions, however, have some key exemptions that are net positive for U.S. agriculture.

April 23, 2025 08:15 AM

Michelle Rook