RFD Today

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow provides state and federal updates in his "Seven with Kevin" segment. Highlighting the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Fulton County native and Farmington High School graduate Rhet Wierza, who is the 2026 "Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award winner. Wierzba is the Indiana University women's basketball associate head coach.

Skin cancer awareness and prevention discussion with Dr. Gaurav Singh from the City of Hope Cancer Center.April update from State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes.State FSA Director Bill Graff details deadlines for CRP and the Farmer Bridge Assistance program. 

David Kubik with the Illinois Soybean Association discusses B20.   Jason Thomas from Midwest Technical Institute highlights CDL program. Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg previews Southern Illinois Regenerative Bus Tour.  Monthly update from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Getting an update from the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.Illinois Wheat Association Update from Jolene Neuhauser.Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto details an active weather forecast this.  

Highlighting Seed Month in Illinois with Doug Miller from the Illinois Seed Trade Association.CropWatcher report from Jimmy Ayers in Sangamon County.Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for April, Carter Sours from Lewistown High School in Fulton County.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.  Jenny Vaughn from the Illinois Conservation Foundation highlights the "Run for the Trees: Happy Little 5K", a nationwide virtual event inspired by the PBS series "The Joy of Painting" featuring the late painter Bob Ross.IHSA Friday Friday Friday features retired IHSA administrator Dave Gannaway, who has been inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame for his role in creating the IHSA state tournament series in bass fishing. Also, Dave Gannaway and the Illinois High School Glory Days website.  

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Education Director Kevin Daugherty talks Earth Day and spring activities. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza discusses prevailing wage in Illinois. 

Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly discusses Next Generation 911.John Paris with the Illinois Department of Transportation details the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (I-TEP) and upcoming workshops throughout the state.  

Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health highlights the “30 Days of Public Health” campaign during April. Sangamon County David Wirth recaps his experience on the recent Illinois Farm Bureau Mexico Market Study Tour.  DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick talks active weather pattern for rest of April.  

Coverage of last Friday's Illinois Farm Bureau Nutrient Stewardship Field Day in Jo Daviess County. Conversations with host farmer Greg Thoren, Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg, and retired John Deere engineer Bob Recker from Waterloo, Iowa.  Previewing a new market week with Joe Camp from Commstock Investments.  

State and federal updates with Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow in his "Seven with Kevin" segment.  Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen talks DHS funding, E-15, and the potential for additional aid for farmers.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features a trip to the "Hoosier Gym" and a talk with Naismith Hall of Famer Jack Sikma.  

Monthly visit with licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown. Regular update from the Illinois Pork Producers Association.  Macoupin County farmer Molly Rosentreter recaps her experience on the Illinois Farm Bureau Mexico Market Study Tour.  Lead forecaster Mike McClure with the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities discusses severe weather threat Thursday and Friday.  

Sister and brother combo Abigail and Kenneth Wolf from Henry County discuss their experience on Food Network's "Baking Championship: Next Gen". The siblings won $25,000 on the show.  Illinois Soybean Association Director of Market Development Todd Main previews next week's Transportation Go! Conference and recaps a recent Vietnam/Thailand trade mission. 

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson recaps his trip to Washington D.C. last week. Michelle Curby from the Illinois Department of Agriculture discusses the relaunch of the I-COVER program. Missouri FFA member Kolton Stolba details his experience last week as a voice of Midwest Agriculture Youth at National Ag Day. Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto talks heavy rains this week.

Coverage from the Illinois Junior MANRRS Leadership Conference in Freeport and the Women in Agriculture Conference in Rock Island. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow provides state and federal updates in his “Seven with Kevin” segment.  Collin Watters discusses his position as Director of Exports and Logistics for the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features SIU Carbondale alum Steve James, who reflects on the continued acclaim of his 1994 documentary film “Hoop Dreams”.  

More coverage from Illinois Ag Legislative Day earlier this week, including conversations with Gary Mielke, President of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs and Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Krista Phillips. State FSA Director Bill Graff provides an update on farmer bridge payments.  Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association highlights Growing Matters and the BeSure! campaign. Eric Holscher from Crawford County details his experience on the recent Illinois Farm Bureau Mexico Market Study Tour.  

Coverage from Illinois Ag Legislative Day in Springfield, including conversations with Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, IFB Director of State Legislation Chris Davis, State Senator Doris Turner, State Rep. Charlie Meier, and Illinois Corn Growers Association Vice President Don Guinnip.  

Quinn Adamowksi with Landmarks Illinois discusses grant opportunties. Plus, we learn about the Illinois Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford details extreme weather swings in March in Illinois.

Tom Heinold with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District provides an update on the Navigation Maintenance Backlog list.Celebrating 2026 Master Farmers Steve Hettinger, Mike Pratt and Doug Winter. Commstock Investments' Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow with state and federal updates in his "Seven with Kevin" segment. Learning about the Illinois Farm Bureau A-LOT (Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow) program.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation Executive Director Kirk Builta, who serves as a community host during the IHSA boys basketball state tournament in Champaign. This year he was paired with the Quincy Notre Dame basketball team.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate highlights the latest round of IFB rural development grants.IFB Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo provides recap of Illinois Product Expo. Learning about the work and mission of Farm Rescue from Terry Johnston. Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson remembers ag broadcasting legend Orion Samuelson and previews his trip to Washington D.C. next week. Learning about campground hosting opportunities at state parks, recreation areas and historic sites across Illinois from Joe Lenkaitis with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Syngenta Agronomic Service Representative Kevin Scholl offers weed management tips for an unpredictable spring

Learning about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's oral history project with Oral History Manager Scot Loyd. An excerpt from one of the oral history interviews featuring legiendary ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson, recorded in 2009. Samuelson passed away Monday.Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Program Coordinator Perry Harlow highlights the "Hoops for Hunger Bracket Challenge".DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick breaks down a wild week of weather in Illinois.   

Update from State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes. Talking blizzard with Alex Gibbs from the National Weather Service Quad Cities office.Monthly visit with Don Schaefer from Mid-West Truckers Association.Previewing new market week with Joe Camp from Commstock Investments.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities provides federal and state updates in his "Seven with Kevin" update.  COUNTRY Financial Vice President of Claims and Client Services Jesse Kohlbecker discusses the claims process in the aftermath of this week's damaging storms in Illinois. Meteorologist David King from the National Weather Service in Chicago provides details on Tuesday night's storm system that included tornadoes and large hail.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment highlights National Athletic Training Month and features Andy Renner and Sarah Turner with the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association.

Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg highlights Nutrient Stewardship Field Days.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel details the successful turnout of "Rules for the Road" sessions. Jennifer Bauer, office manager at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds discusses Tuesday night's dangerous storm system.Monthly mental health conversation with Licensed Professional Counselor Rachel Brown.Checking in with University of Illinois Extension Director Dr. Matthew Vann.

An update on the Illinois Agrciultural Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.  Illinois Conservation Foundation "Outdoor Influencer of the Year" Josh Monahan from LeRoy.Monica Nyman from the St. Louis District Dairy Council talks National Nutrition Month and updated Dietary Guidelines. More from Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for March, Lillian Helbig from Okawville High School.   

Luke Allen, Chicago Area Program Advisor for Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education provides an ag education update. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza highlights her weekly financial transparency report.  Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather talks severe weather potential for Tuesday afternoon and evening.  

Monthly update with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.  Manager-to-Manager segment features Alexis Shreves, from Pulaski-Alexander-and-Massac County.  Meteorologist Ed Shimon from National Weather Service in Central Illinois discusses Tuesday severe weather threat.Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for March, Lillian Helbig from Okawville High School in Washington County.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson discusses his most recent visit to Washingto D.C.Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow provides federal and state updates with his latest "Seven with Kevin" conversation.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences teacher and coach Brian McDowell.  

John Jones, Assistant Professor of Agronomy at the University of Illinois College of ACES recaps his presentation at the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council Investment Insight Conference. Highlighting conversations from last week's Commodity Classic, including Shianne Reynolds from Bushel Plus and Matt Jungmann with the Farm Progress Show. U-of-I Extension Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson talks garden clean-up in advance of the 2026 growing season.  

Aledo, Ilinois native and Illinois State University graduate Suzy Bogguss reflects on her recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry. Kris Reynolds from American Farmland Trust highlights Soil Health Week.  Peter Rousonelos with Meristem Crop Performance discusses their presence at last week's Commodity Classic in San Antonio. 

Learning about potato production in Illinois with Katie Neumiller from Neumiller Farms in Carroll County.  Matt Raben from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board discusses his presence at last week's Commodity Classic in San Antonio.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick talks a rainy start to March in Illinois.  

Highlighting the Illinois Product Expo with Illinois Department of Agriculture's Kayla Graven. Visiting with Kane County Farm Bureau manager Steve Arnold, who will be retiring later this year following a career that spanned 37 years.Previewing a new market week with Commstock Investments Joe Camp.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow breaks down several state and federal issues in his "Seven with Kevin" segment. Monthly update with American Farmland Trust. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features IHSA Assistant Executive Director Dan Le, talking Student Section & Spirit Showdown.

Coverage from the Commodity Classic including conversations with:Stephanie Porter, Outreach Agronomist and Heath Houck, District 13 Director for the Illinois Soybean Association. Lizzie French, Manager of Soil Biology with Waypoint Analytical.Jeremy Lewis, Senior Loveland Products Sales Manager.Manager-to-Manager segment features Peoria County Farm Bureau Manager Charlie Hensley.

Previewing a Rural Business Transitions Webinar Series with Michael Delany from the University of Illinois Extension and Norm Walzer from the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs.  Monthly visit with Jenna Spychal from the Illinois Specialty Growers Association and Jonamac Orchard. Highlighting Farmer Veteran Coalition of Illinois "Farmer Veteran of the Year" Ed Dubrick from Iroquois County, who also participates in the Illinois Farm Bureau A-LOT program or Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow. 

National Corn Growers Association chief economist Krista Swanson and American Farm Bureau Federation economist Danny Munch recap their presentation at last week's Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference in Springfield. Highlighting Cambridge Middle School FFA Chapter.  Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford discusses the Climate Prediction Center's spring weather outlook.  

We learn about historical preservation efforts in Cairo from Don Patton, founding president of The Cairo Historical Preservation Project and Quinn Adamowski of Landmarks Illinois.We hear from for Illinois FFA state officer Derek Sample, who is with the SIU-Carbondale Collegiate Farm Bureau and currently student teaching in Wayne City. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.   

Federal and state updates with Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Winnebago High School boys basketball coach Joe Murphy, who just picked up his 900th coaching victory.  

Leading up to National FFA Week, an update from the Executive Director of Illinois Association FFA Mindy Bunselmeyer. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo recaps last month's Everything Local Conference.  Raelynn Parmely, IFB Economic and Policy Analyst breaks down the latest USDA Farm Income Forecast.  

Coverage of the Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference. Conversations include Illinois Farm Bureau Bureau President Philip Nelson, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. Courtney Sandidge from Mason County details her participation in the Illinois Farm Bureau Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program. Breese Mater Dei Catholic FFA members Angeleen Wesselmann and Lyla Koch share their Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership experience. 

Independent filmmaker Christina Shaver discusses two projects in Aledo. One involves the film "Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois" and the other involves a documentary film on late Aledo artist Gertrude Abercrombie.  Bill Graff, State Executive Director USDA-FSA and Shelley Sweatman, Illinois Conservation Division Chief USDA-FSA, talk CRP sign-up.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick discusses the possibility for severe weather on Thursday.  

Highlighting the first-ever Breaded Pork Tenderloin Draft from the Illinois Pork Producers Association with IPPA's Mikayla Schaefer and winner Jeff Buckler, owner of Buford's Pub in Sadorus. Learning about the California Farm Bureau from Fiona Carroll, field representative. Interview recorded during last month's American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Anaheim.  Previewing a new market with Joe Camp from Commstock Investments.   

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow.Monthly update from Jennifer Tirey with the Illinois Pork Producers Association.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Normal U-High speech coach Brian Rohman, who will join the IHSA as an Assistant Executive Director in July.