RFD Today

A conversation with new Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee Chair Garrett Williams from Richland County.Ryan Gentle from Wyffels Hybrids details the company's Harvest Progress Map.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment is with Farmington High School coach and eduactor Toby Vallas, who's being inducted into the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.  

Special Christmas show featuring Christmas memories from Nikki Taylor (Jim Taylor's wife), Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Issue Management DeAnne Bloomberg, Monticello High School educator & coach Cully Welter, farm broadcaster Max Armstrong, and retired WRMJ owner John Hoscheidt.  

An extended conversation with Dr. Ed Hightower, who played a key role in responding to a food desert and bringing a grocery store to Venice, Illinois. Dr. Hightower currently serves on the SIU Board of Trustees. He spent many years as Edwardsville School District superintendent and is a retired Big Ten basketball official, working 12 NCAA Final Fours.  

Talking school bus safety and raising public awareness on stop arm violations with Rockridge School District Superintendent Marcus Bush and Illinois State Police Trooper Shafer McKune. Holiday travel update with Paul Wappel from the Illinois Department of Transportation.Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford details Christmas and New Year's weather.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson discusses the resolutions process leading up to American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention next month. IFB Economic and Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely highlights the 2025 State of the Farm Economy report. Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard and the Illinois Specialty Growers Association promotes next month's Everything Local Conference.Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week. 

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Illinois Ag Leadership Class of 2027 update.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features WRMJ Sports Director Ty Taylor discussing IHSA football playoff expansion proposal that won approval this week.  

Bill Graff, State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Illinois discusses the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.   Raghela Scavuzzo, Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development highlights the "specialtygrowers.org/shoplocal" online resource. Updates from the American Farmland Trust and Illinois Wheat Association.   

Talking urban agriculture at Augustana College in Rock Island with Ian Empen and the "Augie Acres" project. AAA's Molly Hart discusses holiday travel numbers.  Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel.  

Talking popcorn business with Scott Trimble from Farmer Scott's Premium Popcorn in Heyworth. Kane County Farm Bureau highlights its "Eat, Join, Win" project. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick says December weather will stay active, but turn warmer.   

Don Schaefer from Springfield, IL based Mid-West Truckers Association discusses a nationwide crackdown on CDL mills. Illinois FFA Center Assistant Director John Edgar highlights several conferences.Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Highlighting Illinois Milk Producers Association award winners. Retired Will County Farm Bureau manager Mark Schneidewind reaction to his "World of Corn Award" from IL Corn.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Lena-Winslow head football coach Ric Arand.   

Talking Family Farm Preservation Act in State Senator Andrew Chesney and State Rep. Tony McCombie.  A visit with University of Illinois Collegiate Farm Bureau member Blake Twenhafel.Update from State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes.Monthly update from State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Highlighting work of local county farm bureaus, including Christian County with "Homegrown Heroes", Edwards County with "Bring on the Beef", and Woodford County with "BBQ Throwdown".University of Illinois Extension's Ken Johnson discusses the effects of road salt on plants.

Newly elected Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson.  IFB Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow reviews the resolutions process from Monday's delegate session.  Retiring IFB District 3 Director Jeff Kirwan reflects on his ten years on the board. Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto talks December weather.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Discussion Meet winner Kade Hill from Livingston County. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin visits the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month Reed Weber from Ridgeview High School in McLean County.Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow provides federal and state updates.Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine previews an IFB annual meeting micro talk.Pierce Vanne from Vanne Farms talks Christmas trees.Photojournalist Vincent Johnson promotes his book, "Illustrious, The Best High School Basketball Gyms In Illinois."

Illinois Ag in the Classroom's Kevin Daugherty organizes a conversation with author Chelsea Tornetto and Sherry Sejnost, chair of the Illinois Reads program. Tornetto will be at the Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting this Saturday in Chicago, signing her book "Seasons on the Farm".Monthly update from Tasha Bunting, Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems. Holiday shopping tips from Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  

Kanika Arora from the University of Iowa and Julie Bobitt with the University of Illinois at Chicago discuss the Farm Families Coping with Dementia program.Dan Skinner from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources previews the second weekend of the firearm deer hunting season in Illinois. Stark County native Brianna Gehrig details her role with Brevant Seeds. 

Susan Sams, Executive Director at the Energy Assistance Foundation details the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program available for Ameren Illinois customers. IL Corn Executive Director Rodney Weinzierl discusses the organization's priorities over the next year.DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick recaps the first significant snowstorm of the season. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo provides monthly update.Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Local Government Programs Brenda Matherly recaps IFB's presence at last month's Illinois Association of County Officials Fall Conference.  Mark Bunselmeyer becomes the new president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Talking weekend winter storm potential with Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto.Manager to-manager segment features McLean County Farm Bureau manager Anna Ziegler.Macon County Farm Bureau president Mat Muirheid on his induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Final Pigskin Pickins' of the season with DeLoss, Jim and Rita.  

Some conversations from the past year on the Thanksgiving show including new University of Illinois Exension Director Matthew Vann, Terry Leitschuh with the Madison County Fair, Niki Hoesman with the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, and Harold Wilken from Janie's Mill in Iroquois County. 

Remembering former Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse, who passed away last September. Conversations with his sister, Mindy Whitehouse; retired Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Mark Gebhards; U.S. Reps. Jonathan Jackson & Darin LaHood; and Madison County Farm Bureau manager Paige Durham.  

An update from Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard and the Illinois Specialty Growers Association.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate talks final push for IFB rural development grants. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford says colder and active weather on the way.  

Visiting with USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce at last week's NAFB Convention in Kansas City. Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic hosts Thanksgiving event.  Molly Hart at AAA discusses Thanksgiving holiday travel numbers.Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

Coverage from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in Kansas City. Conversations with Andrew Brandt from the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, Janna Fritz from the U.S. Soybean Export Council, University of Illinois ag communications student Jack Jungmann, and farm broadcaster Max Armstrong.

IDNR's Dan Skinner previews the first firearm deer hunting weekend in Illinois.Jenny Lee, University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator for Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby Counties discusses a grant to address water issues in Coles County.Alan Bailey with American Farmland Trust talks agrivoltaics.

Highlighting the Black Hawk East livestock judging team. Illinois Farm Bureau Economic and Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely breaks down last Friday's World Agricultural Demand and Supply Estimates (WASDE report).DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick looks at this weekend's weather forecast for the opening weekend for the firearm deer hunting season.  

Don Schaefer with the Mid-West Truckers Association provides a trucking industry update.Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Update from Asgrow Technical Agronomist Lance Tarochione.RFD Radio affiliate and IHSA segment with Shawn Temple from WMOI/WRAM.Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss, Jim and RFD Radio content coordinator Collin Schopp. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Evan Hultine and IFB Assistant Director Policy Development and Advocacy Allie Speer discuss the resolutions process leading up to the IFB Annual Meeting in December. An update on the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.

Illinois Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, Erikka Coletta, librarian and interventionist at Maple Elementary School in Loves Park.Monthly update from Olivia Hoots with the Illinois Beef Association.  Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel previews his upcoming micro talk at the IFB Annual Meeting in Chicago next month.  

Lincoln Trail College President Tona Ambrose details the school's new Career & Technical Training Center, which broke ground last month. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello discusses his military service on this Veterans Day.  Weather talk with Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for November, Samantha O'Neill from Athens High School in Menard County.Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting provides monthly update. Pioneer agronomy segment with John Kultgen.  Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow.  Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine breaks down the energy bill approved by the Illinois General Assembly during the fall veto session.  Seth Laurence at RFD Radio Network affiliate WEZC talks IHSA playoff football.Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss, Jim, and RFD Radio Content Coordinator Collin Schopp.  

Hunter Shike from Unity High School in Tolono details his participation with a 4-H livestock judging team from Illinois that won the 4-H division at the American Royal in Kansas City last month. Monthly visit with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Farmer Rock Katschnig discusses his relationship with Pioneer.   

Illinois Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet winner Gracie Murphy.Monthly chat with Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Specialist Rachel Brown.Paul Wappel at the Illinois Department of Transportation cautions about deer-vehicle collisions.University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson discusses overwintering potted plants.  

Illinois Ag in the Classroom update from Kevin Daugherty.Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027 fellow Andy Vigna. Learning about the Martin family of Logan County receiving an award from PepsiCo.Weather talk with DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick.  

Coverage of U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, a member of the House Ag Committee, visiting the Ogle County farm of Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan.Pioneer agronomy segment with Scott Eversgerd.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Grace Murphy of Macomb reflects on her time as a state and national FFA officer as she heads to the National FFA Convention.  Marlon Eilts with COUNTRY Financial discusses COUNTRY's "Sport Your School" promotion with the IHSA.  Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss, Jim, and RFD Radio Content Coordinator Collin Schopp.  

Brian Knifong with Nutrien Ag Solutions discusses Nutrien's presence at the National FFA Convention. Alexa Skirmont with Precision Conservation Management highlights PCM's relationship with IL Corn.  Illinois Farm Bureau local government update from Brenda Matherly and Ryan Tate. Pioneer agronomist Jason McVicker talks Pioneer Vorceed Enlist and PowerCore Enlist corn.

Sean Welch from the Illinois FFA Center highlights Illinois' presence at the National FFA Convention.Montgomery County Farm Bureau manager Katie Wilson provides a Manager-to-Manager segment with St. Clair County Farm Bureau manager Allyson Lauzon.Blake Miller with Syngenta discusses managing fertilizer robbing weeds.Monthly segment with the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Illinois Ag in the Classroom Administrator of the Year Karen Jones from St. Mary's Grade School in Pontiac. Managing weeds with Liam Vincent from BASF.  Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford.  

Retiring National FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider reflects on his time in office.  Pioneer agronomy segment with Brad Mason.Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Kyle Maxwell discusses Ameren Illinois' avian protection program. 50 years in the broadcast booth for Scott Allen at RFD Radio Network affiliate WSJD in Mt. Carmel.Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss, Jim, and Rita.