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

How Bullish is the Cattle Inventory Report for the Cattle Market?

With the lack of rebuilding the strong cattle market could be extended another year.

February 02, 2026 04:24 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Cattle Chop Anticipating Higher Cash, Report: Grains Fall With Outside Markets

Joe Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says the cattle markets have gotten caught up in the outside market money flow but are also seeing some caution ahead of the USDA semi-annual cattle inventory report to be released Friday.

January 30, 2026 10:17 AM

Michelle Rook

News

Top Producer of the Year Finalist: Dalton Farms

Family-centered farming operation yields big dividends and rewards for Ohio couple.

January 29, 2026 07:36 AM

Michelle Rook

Weather

Record Breaking Winter Storm Fern Slams Farmers and Ranchers in 28 States

Meteorologist Eric Snodgrass says the storm hit 28 states with ice, snow and record breaking cold temperatures and the polar vortex could linger for a while.

January 26, 2026 08:50 PM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Cattle Rally on Higher Cash, Trumping COF: Tightest Numbers Ahead

Brad Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek says he was concerned the trade might view a slightly bearish Cattle on Feed report placement number as a reason to sell but the market was more focused on the higher cash trade Friday.

January 26, 2026 10:19 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Cattle Cautious Pre-COF but Higher Cash Trumps All

Live and feeder cattle futures were weaker to start Friday as the market was seeing some profit taking and caution ahead of the USDA Cattle on Feed Report according to Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek.

January 23, 2026 10:10 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Can Cattle Recover From the NWS Selloff? Grains Ease on EU Tariff Fears

Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says with the confirmation of no cases of NWS in the U.S. the cattle market should rebound Tuesday. However, with outside markets seeing risk off selling that may temper some of the buying interest in cattle.

January 20, 2026 10:07 AM

Michelle Rook

Markets

Cattle Collapse Early Friday on NWS Fear, Awaiting Cash: Corn, Hogs Higher

Joe Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek says cattle futures were down early on liquidation ahead of the three day weekend, lack of fed cash news and a rumor of NWS in the U.S.

January 16, 2026 10:55 AM

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

Markets

Cattle Continue Climb Towards Highs on Strong Cash: Grains See Report Hangover

Brad Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek says strong cash has been supportive of the cattle futures and he expects a higher week in the fed market again this week. Grains are still digesting USDA’s bearish reports.

January 13, 2026 10:43 AM

Michelle Rook