RFD Today

Checking in with Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson.  Jay Bliler discusses his recent commencement speech at Lake Land College.Lane Kreiling recaps his experience with the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra discusses emergency preparedness.Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg highlights Nutrient Stewardship Field Days scheduled for this summer. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick talks late May and early June weather.  

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza discusses the Illinois certification and procurement process and how small businesses can get involved in bidding on state contracts.Lauren Schuler details her role as Chief of Staff for the Illinois Farm Bureau President's office. Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week.  

Reaction to House passage of E15 vote this week from Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Davis Whitfield from the National Federation of State High School Associations discussing a new online course for high school students, which provides education and resources on mental wellness. 

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. Patrick Giberson with the United Soybean Board discusses industrial uses for soybeans.  Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel discusses the new MOTUS system being utilized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  

Monthly update from State Ag Pest Survey coordinator Kelly Estes. Highlighting a special Passport to Illinois keepsake with Gabrielle Lyon from the Illinois America 250 Commission.  

Don Schaefer from Springfield, IL based Mid-West Truckers Association provides latest update on trucking issues, including this week's International Roadcheck.A new monthly segment called "Tomorrow's Leaders Today" highlights the Kane County Young Farmers group. Monthly visit with the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather says May will feature the battle between spring and summer.  

Illinois State Police Trooper Ryan Wagand offers some safety reccomendations for drivers that find themselves in a dust storm while traveling and other general travel tips.Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for May Haven Cash talks about podcast production and youth entrepreneuership.Joe Camp, Commstock Investments, has a regular Market Monday conversation on crude oil and corn with RFD Radio Network's DeLoss Jahnke.

Highlighting IAA Foundation Distinguished Scholar Alexis Nall from Mason County. University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson talks peonies care.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Jordan Zimmer, a Delevan High School and Illinois Wesleyan University graduate, who was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame last weekend.  

Highlighting IAA Foundation Distinguished Scholars Amanda Niemann from Western Illinois University and Caleb Zwilling from Parkland College. Dr. Jim Lowe, Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine at the University of Illinois talks pseudorabies.  Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Crop Physiology at the University of Illinois discusses nitrogen management.  

Dr. John Rinker, who specializes in geriatrics for OSF HealthCare, discusses lifespan vs. health span.Scot Loyd highlights the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum's oral history collection. A conversation from last week's NAFB Washington Watch event with Alan Tank, an ag and food entrepreneur, investor and farmer.

USDA Rural Development State Director Jesus Ortega.Ag education update from FCAE District 3 Program Advisor Allie Bode.Illinois Ag in the Classroom's Kevin Daugherty highlights Summer Ag Institutes and summer reading recommendations. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick talks May weather.    

Erika Holst from the Illinois State Museum highlights the "Land of Stories" project, which coincides with America's 250th.  Celebrating the IAA Foundation scholarship program and the Illinois Farm Bureau Legacy of Leadership Scholar Caleb Seboldt from Monroe County.  Ryan Frieders provides a CropWatcher report from DeKalab County.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow breaks down the Farm Bill that won approval in the U.S. House this week. IL Corn update from Justin Moore, who serves as new uses and biofuels manager.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment highlights the organization's state tournament in bass fishing with Chris Schwarz.

Coverage of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting "Washington Watch" event including conversations with U.S. Reps. Mike Bost and Jonathan Jackson along with John Clark from the National Association of Broadcasters.  Dr. Fred Below, University of Illinois professor of crop physiology discusses nitrogen management.  

Talking Farm Bill and ag economy with Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood. Update from State FSA Director Bill Graff. Licensed professional counselors discusses having important conversations with family members on the farm.  McLean County Farm Bureau contributes $1 million to the McLean County Fair.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine talks data center issues.  Sigrid Johannes with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association discusses Farm Bill, New World Screwworm and beef cow herd size.  Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford looks at tornado statistics in Illinois.  

Retiring Kane County Farm Bureau manager Steve Arnold reflects on his career.Brent Corners provides a CropWatcher report from Jefferson County.Jennifer Smith with the IAA Foundation makes 2026 scholarship announcements.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.   

State and federal updates from Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow in his "Seven with Kevin" segment.Monthly visit with Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Fisher High School senior Jesse Arndt, who works as an IHSA official in basketball, baseball and softball. 

Highlighting the SIU-Carbondale Collegiate Farm Bureau with president Wes Bland. Jenna Spychal from Jonamac Orchard in Malta discusses spring weather conditions and the impacts on the apple crop.  Macon County farmer Clint Gordon of Macon County field tests a John Deere ethanol tractor. 

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson talks spring planting season and provides updates on key state and federal issues.  Malena Cook is leaving her role as Illinois Farm Bureau marketing supervisor to return to her family farm.  Highlighting the Illinois Route 66 centennial celebration with Quinn Adamowski from Landmarks Illinois and Casey Claypool from the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.  

Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel.  U of I Extension's Ken Johnson provides advice on planting a tree in honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick discusses an active spring weather pattern.  

Don Schaefer from Mid-West Truckers Association discusses the impacts of high diesel prices on the trucking industry. CropWatcher report from Brent Clair in Adams County. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate and Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine talk broadband issues.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investment 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. 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.