RFD Today

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Agronomist Kevin Gale with AgriGold provides an update on the corn and soybean crop in his territory.  Tucker Kennedy with Ameren Illinois discusses summer electric bills.  

Dr. Bianca Pruitt of Will County is a recipient of the Illinois Farm Bureau Nurse Practitioner Scholarship.University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson provides information on wasps.  Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza highlights her presence at the Illinois State Fair. Timothy Thompson from Valent discusses progress and condition of the corn crop. 

Dr. David Kopsell, Professor of Horticulture at Illinois State University highlights The Vertical Farm at ISU.The legacy of late Madison County farmer Gene Daiber and his gift to the IAA Foundation.   

Julie Hewitt with the Illinois NREC and Jo Daviess County producer Nathan Koester discusss the importance of Illinois Farm Bureau nutrient stewardship field days.Illinois Farm Bureau Member Engagement Manager Ashley Beutke highlights a Member Exclusive NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 Experience taking place Sept. 7, 2025.Jack Ratcliffe talks Boone County Fair.DTN weather risk communicator Teresa Wells explains why Canadian wildfire smoke is showing up in Illinois weather forecasts.  

State Rep. Tony McCombie celebrates Sweetcorn Appreciation Day. AJ Tackett provides a CropWatcher report from Fayette County.  Lynn Gipson from the Amateur Trapshooting Association highlights the Grand American at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta.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.  John Howell, Illinois Wheat Association President.  Brian Titus highlights "The Throwdown-A Western Illinois Showdown" this Saturday at the Knox County Fairgrounds in Knoxville.Madison County Fair livestock exhibitor Mallory Hemann. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Excellence in Agriculture award winner Kate Huffman from Henry County. Talking county fair traditions with Terry Leitschuh with the Madison County Fair. Illinois Ag in the Classroom's Kevin Daugherty highlights two Illinois authors who will have a presence at the Illinois State Fair.  

WIU ag student Logan Kearns discusses his experience at the American Society of Animal Science meeting in Florida earlier this summer. Mark Litteken details his six-acre research plot at his Clinton County Farm. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo with a final push for speakers for next January's Everything Local Conference in Springfield.  

Illinois State Fair manager Rebecca Clark previews the 2025 Illinois State Fair.An update from KJ Johnson with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association.  Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto details a cooler weather pattern.  

John Schoen from the Madison County Youth Livestock Auction where over $300,000 was generated for exhibitors.  Daniel Herriott provides a CropWatcher report from Champaign County.North Carolina no-tiller Russell Hedrick speaks at a Clinton County Farm Bureau nutrient stewardship field day. Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director Governmental Affairs  and Commodities Kevin Semlow.  Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza highlights her "Weekly Transparency Report."Talking Illinois round barns with author and photographer John Hanou.  

An extended conversation with Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan. FarmWeekNow CropWatcher AJ Tackett details heavy rains in Fayette County.Illinois Farm Bureau Economic Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely discusses IFB "State of the Farm Economy" quarterly reports.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Consumer Engagement Manager Gracie Pierson highlights the Illinois Farm Families Farmer Ambassadors program. Blake Twenhafel from the Wesclin FFA chapter discusses his lawn care business, which has earned him American Star finalist in agribusiness honors.  An update from American Farmland Trust.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg previews Nutrient Stewardship Field Days.  State Treasurer Michael Frerichs with a monthly update. Illinois State Climatlogist Trent Ford discusses this week's heat wave and heavy rains from last weekend.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow.  Kevin Raber provides a CropWatcher report from Wabash County.  Karly Combest with Ameren Illinois discusses electric safety tips. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Director National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse highlights a "tool shed" conversation in Champaign County. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza with her monthly conversation. Illinois Department of Natural Resources large carnivore program manager Charis Jacques discusses black bear sightings in Illinois.  

Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard and the Illinois Specilaty Growers Association talks apple growing season. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo promotes volunteer opportunites at the Illinois Specialty Growers Association tent during the Illinois State Fair.Ron Estes with Valent talks growing conditions throughout Illinois.   

Illinois State University associate professor of agribusiness Dr. Iuliia Tetteh and ISU agriculture student Patrick Collins discuss their experience at the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) 2025 Student Case Competition last month in Brazil.  United Soybean Board's Susan Watkins talks domestic demand.  Dan Haynes of the Menard County Farm Bureau Young Leaders highlights this weekend's Sweetcorn Showdown at the Menard County Fair.  

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello with assistant camp director Niki Hoesman. Licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown provides her July challenge. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick assesses summer weather in the Corn Belt.  

Monthly update from Don Schaefer with Mid-West Truckers Association.Talking Clinton County Fair with Clinton County Farm Bureau President Mark LittekenDave Mool from McLean County provides a CropWatcher report. Joe Camp from Commstock Investments previews a new market week. 

An update from Emma Magrady and Stephanie Swieca on their quest to visit every state park in Illinois. They are called the Fresh Air Friendship.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel discusses taking precautions at unmarked intersections with obstructed views caused by the height of corn this time of year. Brock Key with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discusses their role with the IHSA bass fishing state finals at the Lake Shelbyville.  

Monthly check-in with State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes. Celebrating county fairs in Jersey and Mercer counties.  

Adam Rader and Donna Verda with Rader Family Farms of Normal discuss a corn maze recognizing COUNTRY Financial's 100th Anniversary. The segment also features COUNTRY Financial's Sarah Franzen.  Tyler Harp talks Syngenta fungicides. Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather looks at the remaining July weather outlook.  

Illinois Director of Ag Jerry Costello discusses celebrating service men and women as well as his time in the service as he prepares to speak again this year at the Morgan County Fair "Salute the Troops" event on July 9. Ryan Frieders provides a CropWatcher report from DeKalb County. Tom Moore talks about his role on the Jersey County Fair Board and Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Board. Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.   

Illinois Agriculture Educator of the Year Ralph Allen from Mt. Pulaski High School and retiring Rockridge High School principal and former IHSA board member Katy Hasson reflect on their careers in education.

Learning about the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial from Shane Wagner, ranger at the Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site.  Marty Marr highlights the Morgan County Fair.  Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting.  

Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood talks budget reconciliation process.  Manager-to-manager segment highlights the Madison County Farm Bureau.Learning about the Leaf Livestock Wool Company in Henry County with Anne Sammons.  

County fairs during the 4th of July with the Schuyler County and Grundy County Fairs. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick recaps June and talks July and August outlooks.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Illinois Farm Bureau Member Engagement Manager Ashley Beutke highlights the Member Exclusive NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 Experience at World Wide Technology Center Raceway in Madison, Illinois on September 7. Gary Steward provides a CropWatcher report from Stark County.Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

Monthly visit from Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.Jennifer Waters with Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education recaps the 2024/2025 academic year. Conversations with the Bremmer brothers from the Illinois FFA Convention. Ben, the Illinois FFA Treasurer during the 2023/24 term and Ethan, the new Illinois FFA Reporter.  

Monthly check-in with licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown.  Jean Brokish with American Farmland Trust discusses cover crops.  Valent's Ron Estes talks crop conditions throughout Illinois. 

Woodford County Farm Bureau Manager Autum Jones promotes this weekend's Central Illinois BBQ Throwdown.  Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo recaps Summer Horticulture Day and talks specialty growers tent at the Illinois State Fair. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director Local Government Ryan Tate provides monthly update.  

Celebrating June Dairy Month with Monica Nyman from the St. Louis District Dairy Council.  Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford reviews June weather data and provides July outlook.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse discusses recent trip to Washington and budget reconciliation process in the U.S. Senate. Paul Munie provides a CropWatcher report from St. Clair County. 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 Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg talks the importance of nutrient stewardship field days. New Director of Strategic Programs & Education for the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Jenna Wicks. Hayden Kinkade, Richland County High School teacher and Olney FFA advisor on receiving Honorary State FFA Degree.

A conversation with CEO's: Jim Jacobs from COUNTRY Financial, Mark Orr from GROWMARK, Matt McClelland from Prairie Farms, and Nick Brooks from IAA Credit Union.  Also on the program, IAA Foundation scholarship recipient Emma Smith and Julie Hewitt from the Illinois Foundation FFA.  

Celebrating Pollinator Week with University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle. Highlighting the relationship between Illinois Ag in the Classroom and IL Corn with AITC's Kevin Daugherty and IL Corn's Tara Desmond. 

Matt Jungmann previews the 2025 Farm Progress Show. Monthly update from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. We learn about a community food plot project with the Crete-Monee FFA Chapter in Will County.DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick says a heat wave is on the way Saturday through Monday. 

Monthly check-in with Don Schaefer from Mid-West Truckers Association. Jeff Guilander provides a CropWatcher report from Jersey County. Dave Newcomb from the Illinois Fire Service Institute promotes a grain bin rescue operations course later this summer. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan shares the takeways from his latest trip to Washington D.C.Coverage of the Illinois FFA Convention, including interviews with new Illinois FFA President Natalie Pratt, first ever Illinois FFA Sentinel Paige Sierens, and Illinois FFA Treasurer Kaydance Wooton.

Illinois Star winners from the Illinois FFA Convention.Star in Agribusiness—Taylor Crouch from Maroa-Forsyth FFA.Star in Ag Placement—Reed Naughton from Olympia FFA.Star in Agriscience—Kade Boatman (goes by middle name) from Byron FFA.Star Farmer—Kade Beckmier (goes by middle name) from Taylorville FFA.Illinois Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Kristi Jones from the Illinois FFA Convention.  Valent's Ron Estes talks soybean production and responding to early growing season challenges.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza provides reaction to the recently approved state budget and also recaps a visit to southern Illinois.  Schuyler County Farm Bureau President Chris Vogler discusses the deer nuisance legislation that won approval during the spring legislative session in Springfield.  U-of-I Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks lightning bugs and fireflies.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan and and IFB Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow recap the spring legislative session in Springfield. Doug Uphoff provides a CropWatcher report from Shelby County.  Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto talks a back-and-forth temperature pattern in June.  

A recap from the IHSA bass fishing state finals at Lake Shelbyville. Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for June, Caleb Zwilling from Fisher High School in Champaign County.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.

Reaction to the recently completed spring legislative session in Springfield from KJ Johnson with the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association and Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business & Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine. Previewing the Classic Green Reunion, an event for John Deere collectors from across the country.