Farm Journal Expands AgriTalk Markets Coverage with Michelle Rook

April 9, 2026

Farm Journal Expands AgriTalk Markets Coverage with Michelle Rook

Award winning business journalist to host of AgriTalk’s afternoon markets hour, pairing agriculture’s most respected business voices and enhancing real-time coverage

Kansas City, MO., (April 9, 2026) – Farm Journal, American agriculture’s leading business information and data insights company, announces Michelle Rook will on Monday become the host of AgriTalk PM. Rook will lead the afternoon program, focusing heavily on commodity markets and analysis for farmers and agribusiness professionals. Original host Chip Flory is stepping away from the afternoon hour and will continue to host AgriTalk AM. Flory will remain actively involved in AgriTalk PM as a guest analyst and fill-in host.

This move is a part of Farm Journal’s ongoing investment in AgriTalk, agriculture’s only national radio talk show and a leading podcast in the industry. It brings together two of the most respected and experienced voices in agriculture radio under one umbrella.

Chris Seper, the Executive Vice President of Farm Journal Brands at Farm Journal, says the change allows Flory to further focus on the quality and growth of AgriTalk AM, while continuing his broader contributions across Farm Journal. He will continue to represent Farm Journal at events across the country, and play a leading role in the annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour each August.

For Rook, the role builds directly on the momentum of her highly regarded Markets Now platform. She will continue to host two Markets Now podcasts each weekday and lead the daily market analysis segment on AgDay.

“I’m excited to step into this role and connect with the AgriTalk audience in a new way,” Rook shared. “Markets are moving faster than ever, and farmers need clear, actionable insight. AgriTalk PM is a powerful platform to deliver that every day.”

Flory added, “Farm Journal wanted to bring practical, in-depth and meaningful market information to farm radio and we’ve done that. Michelle will continue that and use her experience to bring a fresh perspective. I look forward to working alongside her to keep that conversation going.”

“Michelle brings years of experience covering agricultural markets and is widely respected for her depth of knowledge and reporting, making her a natural fit for AgriTalk PM,” Seper said. “Bringing her into AgriTalk strengthens our ability to serve farmers and agribusiness professionals with timely, trusted insights.”

AgriTalk reaches more than 75,000 farmers for each of its two live weekday broadcasts and airs on more than 100 affiliates across 19 states. The program is also available on-demand via major podcast platforms, Farm Journal TV and Farm Journal NOW. Along with Markets Now, it ranks among the most popular programs in the Farm Journal Podcast Network, with each generating more than 100,000 downloads monthly.

This expansion underscores Farm Journal’s continued investment in AgriTalk as the leading national voice in agricultural radio and podcasting. With Rook and Flory sharing hosting duties, the program is positioned to deliver even deeper, real-time market insight to farmers navigating increasingly complex and volatile conditions.

—

About Farm Journal

Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. The company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences and tradeshows; nationally broadcast television and radio programs; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal owns the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. Trust In Food is a Farm Journal initiative dedicated to accelerating the adoption of conservation practices and regenerative agriculture in ways that work for producers and enhance connection to consumers. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.

Share to your audience

I’m excited to step into this role and connect with the AgriTalk audience in a new way

— Michelle Rook, AgriTalk Host

Additional Resources

Simple, Targeted Marketing Approach for Big Impact

When Mark Munger joined IPR Fresh as vice president of marketing and business development, the 23-year-old company had been engaged in marketing tactics but had never developed a formal marketing plan.

Holistic, Innovative Marketing Part of the Culture for CMI Orchards

The retail shelf is highly competitive, not just within one category, but throughout the whole produce department. As innovation explodes, consumers are seeing new varieties of grapes, berries and citrus, apples and more. And the innovation breeds highly competitive shelf space. But for companies like CMI Orchards, innovation isn’t just a way to protect shelf space; it’s simply part of their culture.

How to Build the Right Digital Audience Strategy for Your Marketing Objectives

In agriculture, precision is not optional. Buying cycles are long, margins are tight and every marketing dollar is under pressure to deliver results. Yet too many digital programs still prioritize scale over strategy and engagement over qualified outcomes. Better performance does not start with more impressions. Outcomes are driven by audience quality and scoping, aligning marketing to sales and measuring success by the outcomes that move the business forward.