RFD Today

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. 

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.  Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg recaps her presentation at the Illinois Farm Bueau Young Leader Conference last weekend.Jeff Behme, a farmer from Carlinville, details his participation in the 2025 Asgrow Brand National Yield Contest.

State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes talks summer interns and trapping cooperators. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel discusses non-domiciled CDLs. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson details seed starting. 

An update from the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.Coverage of the Western Illinois University Ag Mech Club's Farm Expo with WIU Ag Mech Club President Owen Bull and McDonough County Farm Bureau President Colby Hunt.Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather talks February rain forecast for southern Illinois.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Chair Garrett Williams from the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference in East Peoria over the weekend.Mid-West Truckers Association's Don Schaefer from the Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show in Peoria.  Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for February, Trent Stiers from Williamsfield High School in Knox County.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow with state & federal updates.Tom Super with the National Chicken Council provides the Chicken Wing Report leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.Final day of gubernatorial candidate coverage. Today's topic is wetlands.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Nashville High School girls basketball coach Dempsey Witte, who's been named an NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) Coach of the Year.   

Alexa Groff with National 4-H and Iowa 4-H discusses a 4-H artificial intelligence curriculum.  Coverage all this week of Republican gubernatorial candidates running in the March 17 primary. Today, the candidates talk energy.Chris Wills with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum highlights two free admission days in honor of Lincoln's birthday.  Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza promoted identity theft awareness.  

Randa Watts and Andrew Rehn with Prairie Rivers Network highlight their collaboration with the University of Illinois Extension on hosting three webinars on topics related to data centers. Coverage all this week of Republican gubernatorial candidates running in the March 17 primary. Today, the candidates talk biofuels. Also, monthly updates from IL Corn and Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting.  

Licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown previews her presentation to the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference and also offers her February challenge.Kacie Athey with the University of Illinois Extension discusses her research work involving insect pressures with peaches and pumpkins. Coverage all this week of Republican gubernatorial candidates running in the March 17 primary. Today, the candidates talk estate taxes. Janie Maxwell promotes the Illinois Farmers Market Association. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick provides February weather outlook.   

Previewing the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference with keynote speak Lance Weaver with Legacy Farmer. Coverage all this week of Republican gubernatorial candidates running in the March 17 primary. Today, the candidates provide intros and opening remarks. Strategic Nonprofit Leader Sharon Dodd highlights "Illinois Farm to Food Bank Capacity-Building Grant".Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

More coverage of candidates running for Illinois' U.S. Senate seat in the March 17 primary. Today's topic involves federal government's role with conservation.  "Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment with Brad Bennewitz from WGIL in Galesburg.  

More coverage of candidates running for Illinois' U.S. Senate seat in the March 17 primary. Today's topic involves young and beginning farmers. Monthly update with American Farmland Trust.A conversation from earlier this month at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim with Jacob Marek from the Arkansas FFA.  

More coverage of candidates running for Illinois' U.S. Senate seat in the March 17 primary. Today's topic involves renewable fuels. Jenna Spychal, chair of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association promotes this week's Everything Local Conference. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza highlights the "Bank on Illinois" program.  

Coverage of the U.S. Senate race in Illinois as the March 17th primary approaches. Today, the candidates talk Farm Bill.  Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Krista Phillips from Effinghma County looks forward to her reign. Illinois State Climatlogist Trent Ford recaps last weekend's winter storm.  

Coverage this week of the U.S. Senate race in Illinois as the March 17th primary approaches.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  DeAnne Bloomberg reflects on her career as she retires as Director of Issue Management for Illinois Farm Bureau.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow. Tracking this weekend's winter storm with Christine Wielgos, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Paducah, KY.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features legendary Lincoln High School basketball coach Neil Alexander, who is four wins shy of 1,000.

Previewing this month's Everything Local Conference with Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo. Coverage of the MIDWEST AG EXPO from Gordyville USA with WITY's Dave Brown.  Talking Illinois Farm Bureau local government priorities with Brenda Matherly and Ryan Tate.  

Monthy conversation with Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson.  Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure promotes upcoming Rules for the Road programs.  Visiting with Kristi Jones, who has been named new Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. 

State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes. Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.Effingham County Farm Bureau Manager Julie Stephens.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick.