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Farmers across Illinois may soon see relief from increasing wildlife-related crop damage. Legislation sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson, Senate Bill 710, cleared the State Senate unanimously and now moves to the House for review. The bill aims to help manage deer overpopulation, a persistent issue causing both agricultural losses and vehicle accidents. Key measures include automatic issuance of extra hunting permits for qualifying landowners, expanded free permits for those with at least 40 acres, and new guest permit options. The initiative was developed with input from local farm bureaus and state officials, underscoring the push for practical, bipartisan solutions. “Agriculture is Illinois' leading industry, and when experts in the field raise concerns, it's our responsibility as lawmakers to find real solutions,” said Senator Anderson. “This is a bipartisan issue, and I'm grateful my colleagues recognized the significant impact deer overpopulation has on both agriculture and public safety.” “This bill is a result of collaboration with local farm bureaus, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the Illinois Farm Bureau,” Senator Anderson added. “It's a strong first step, and I'm committed to continuing our conversations further based on continued feedback from our agricultural community.” Anderson also stressed the public safety benefits of the legislation regarding deer-related vehicle accidents. Reducing deer populations near roadways is a crucial part of protecting drivers, especially in rural areas where these collisions are most frequent. “This bill supports our farmers, but it also looks out for everyday Illinoisans who drive our roads,” said Senator Anderson. “It's about protecting crops, ensuring road safety, and managing wildlife in a responsible, effective way.”
A power packed Illinois Farm Bureau show with Kevin Semlow, Bill Bodine, Taylor Hartke, Lori Jackson, and Ashley Beutke.
The show kicks off with our weekly "7 with Kevin." An update from Illinois Farm Bureau's Kevin Semlow. Then hear from McLean County Farm Bureau President Brian Dirks on a recent donation to the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal. Finally, wrap up visiting with Nathan Spangler, a student at the University of Illinois who was a recent stem cell donor, an FFA American Star Farmer finalist, and proud member of the Orange Krush.
We visit with Darlene "Dar" Knipe, Co-Founder of the National Food MarketMaker.Illinois Farm Bureau board member Jeff Kirwan recaps the 2025 Bushels for Hunger program in Henry, Mercer, and Rock Island Counties.Patrick Osterman, Vice President of Business Strategy at McDonough District Hospital talks rural health care issues. We discuss resistance management with Will Griffin from Valent U.S.A.
Illinois Farm Bureau's Tasha Bunting summarizes USDA's plan to combat HPAI.
Brownfield's Jared White visited with Illinois Farm Bureau assistance director of energy Noelle Neef at the 2025 Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference in Springfield, Illinois.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brownfield's Jared White interviews Illinois Farm Bureau executive director of governmental affairs and commodities Kevin Semlow at the Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference in Springfield, Illinois.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Illinois Farm Bureau Board Member from New Windsor, Jeff Kirwan
Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan joined Patrick Pfingsten to discuss the Trump tariffs and the potential impact on Illinois farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Coverage of the AFBF Convention in San Anotonio. Conversations with Sadie Asher and Michaela Greahouse.Celebrating more "We are th 96" recognition with Illinois Farm Bureau's Gracie Pierson.Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford talks February outlook.
Coverage of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Annual Convention as we visit with IAAF President David Hake and Southern Zone Director Doug Telford. We talk local government with Illinois Farm Bureau's Brenda Matherly and Ryan Tate. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.
Illinois Farm Bureau in action as we visit with Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow and Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse.We also chat with outgoing Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Natalie Evans. And a conversation with Pam Monetti as she serves her last day on the job as USDA Rural Development State Director.
The Illinois Farm Bureau is taking a different approach to its marketing and promotion of organization via a collaboration with a member-brewery.
Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the looming threat of port strikes on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast, with contracts set to expire on January 15th, 2025. They delve into the potential ramifications for agricultural exports, the criticality of timely contract negotiations, and the broader impact on the U.S. economy. Key topics include the role of government, the importance of maintaining international trade relations, and the ongoing debate over automation in port operations. They underscore the significant risk to the agricultural sector and the ripple effects on other industries and consumer prices. Lorrie talks with Tom Harrington, President of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, about the impact of wolf reintroduction in Colorado, highlighting issues such as livestock deaths and depredations. He criticized Governor Jared Polis for blaming ranchers and emphasized the need for better preparation and compensation plans. On the second part of the segment, Lorrie is joined by Evan Holtine from the Illinois Farm Bureau. He discusses a lawsuit against the American Farm Bureau Federation over the termination of Illinois Farm Bureau's membership due to a business decision by affiliate company Country Financial. Sabrina talks with Galen Beer, the national sales strategy and product management lead for AgroLiquid, about the current state and strategic approaches for the mid-year fertilizer season. He highlights early deliveries for 2025, agronomy meetings reviewing research from the past year, and important considerations for growers on the West Coast and Southeast. Galen emphasizes the necessity of having a detailed fertilizer plan, understanding soil tests, and addressing geographical challenges like sodium in irrigation water in California and nutrient washout in Florida. He advises growers to remove emotion from economic decisions and to consult experts, with AgroLiquid's resources available to assist. This episode also features an excerpt of the Voices of the Valley podcast.
An insurance decision has led to a contentious decision by the AFBF to not allow the Illinois Farm Bureau to be a state member affiliate. A lawsuit has been filed by IFB.
In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the ongoing conflict between the Illinois Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). The AFBF voted to expel the Illinois Farm Bureau due to their insurance company, Country Financial, deciding to sell policies to non-farmers, sparking a lawsuit. The conversation covers the potential ramifications for Illinois farmers, their representation in national policy, membership impacts, and the broader implications for other state Farm Bureaus. Lorrie talks with JR Smith, Vice President and co-founder of the Veterans Ranch, who discusses the organization's origins and mission. Founded in 2017, the nonprofit aims to support veterans and their families through equine therapy and other services. Initially conceptualized on napkins at a Chili's, the ranch provides free therapy and discounted riding lessons, with plans to expand to 10 locations across Texas and Florida. This week's Almond Update is with Franz Niederholzer and emphasizes the critical importance of accurate pesticide spraying techniques in agricultural practices, particularly in almond orchards. The discussion highlights the impact of variables such as wind, humidity, and tank contents on spray efficacy. It explores advancements in spray technology, stressing the need for a strong foundational understanding of traditional practices. Topics like nozzle selection, calibration, and the role of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) are elaborated, providing essential guidelines for improving application efficiency and safety.
Jim Taylor from the RFD Radio Network interviewed local Annawan High School student Ella Anderson about being chosen as the Actively Engaged Student of the Month for December by the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Illinois Farm Bureau's Mark Gebhards reflects on his career with the organization. Illinois Farm Bureau Economic & Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely provides an update with the Corporate Transparency Act and the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting requirement.Highlighting one of our favorite 2024 interviews, Malachi Cliff of the Crete-Monee FFA Chapter.
Holiday cheer, recipes, and traditions with RFD Radio's Rita Frazer and Jolene Neuhauser and Illinois Farm Bureau's DeAnne Bloomberg and Emily Hall.Plus, that soybean plastics plant reference in "It's a Wonderful Life."
Monday on AOA, we start the show with a look at the markets as Barchart Senior Market Analyst Darin Newsom joins the show. In Segment Two, we get a look at what appears to be a fairly mild weather outlook for the Christmas week with DTN Meteorologist Teresa Wells. Next up in Segment Three, we talk about carbon markets/eminent domain issues, the on-going legal battle between the American Farm Bureau and the Illinois Farm Bureau and the end of year continuing resolution with aid and a Farm Bill extension with Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan. Then in Segment Four, we look at the latest Cattle on Feed report and the overall cattle market action with Dr. Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University.
Illinois Farm Bureau's Kevin Semlow and Ryan Whitehouse discuss all the moving parts as it relates to the potential government shutdown and continuing resolution debate in Washington. Jeff Adkisson of the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois provides an update and previews their 132nd annual convention and trade show.
Brownfield's Jared White visited with Illinois Farm Bureau associate director of transportation and infrastructure Rodney Knittel at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week, we bring you top agricultural headlines, including updates on highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), ag policy developments and an Illinois Farm Bureau dispute in addition to many conversations with ag leaders. In this week's first interview we hear from Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Executive Director of the Swine Health Information Center, about a $4 million research initiative looking at risks with avian influenza. She discusses key questions producers should consider to protect their farms and addresses concerns about cross-contamination between industries, following the first detection of avian influenza in swine this fall. After more ag news, we also hear from John Newton, Executive Head at Terrain, about the critical weeks leading up to the transition to a new administration in January. Newton reflects on the recent election, key economic factors such as interest rates and his projections for the farm economy in 2025 and 2026. For this week's special market update, Tommy Grisafi, a market expert and associated person with Nesvick Trading, shares insights about his recent career move from joining the team as the founder and owner of Ag Bull Media LLC. Grisafi provides an overview of the past week's market activity and discusses strategies to consider as we approach the new year. Follow us daily with ag content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube in addition to our weekly videos!
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is in the process of creating a new strategic plan - the objectives that will guide the organization over the next several years. And they’ve got more voices to include in it after reaching a recent membership record. CAO Bradley Uken has been serving WFBF for about two years after a two-decade career in the Illinois Farm Bureau. Before we talk about how the strategic planning is coming along, I have him reflect on some of the big achievements he thinks the Wisconsin Farm Bureau has made in the past few years. It includes reaching 51,000+ members for the first time in 30+ years. These membership voices have drawn up a few key themes to be included in WFBF's priority list moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of Agriculture Today, we'll learn about AFBF's concerns over its dispute with Illinois Farm Bureau, new resources for beginning farmers, SAF's promising but uncertain future, the monarch butterfly's proposed threatened listing, and new scholarships for FFA students. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Prairie Farmer Magazine Executive Editor Holly Spangler joined Springfield's Morning News to talk about the American Farm Bureau Federation's move to kick the Illinois Farm Bureau out of the organization and what it means for Illinois agriculture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the HAT Podcast C.J. Miller has the news including Zippy Duvall on the American Farm Bureau issue with Illinois Farm Bureau and an old Indiana grain elevator that is now a restaurant. HAT Chief Meteorologist Ryan Martin calls for chilly conditions today but dry, and then a warmup is on tap across Indiana. Thursday corn, soybean and wheat markets all worked higher. Andy Eubank has the closing numbers and analysis from Karl Setzer. It's all part of the #HATPodcast, made possible by First Farmers Bank & Trust - experience banking built on heart, grit, and agriculture. Visit FFBT.com to learn more or stop by your local branch to talk about your ag operation today.
In September, COUNTRY Financial, an affiliate of Illinois Farm Bureau, announced that effective January 1, 2025, it will no longer require its Illinois-based insurance clients purchasing non-farm policies to hold IFB memberships. In response, the American Farm Bureau Federation announced that it would expel IFB from the federation, effective December 20, 2024.IFB is fighting to stay a member of AFBF and has filed a lawsuit and injunction in McLean County Court. A previous contract between AFBF and IFB states, except for certain limited circumstances that are not present here, AFBF is not allowed to terminate IFB's membership based on business decisions made by affiliates, including COUNTRY Financial. We discussed the matter with IFB President Brian Duncan and Vice President Evan Hultine.State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes getting information gathered for 2024 pest report. We hear from Ron & Deb Moore of Roseville, named Farm Family of the Year by the Illinois Soybean Association. We also hear from Lucas Lentsch, CEO of United Soybean Board.Tasha Bunting, Illinois farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems provides an update.
We get a recap of the fall veto session and a look ahead to the lame duck session with Illinois Farm Bureau's Director of State Legislation, Chris Davis. We then hear from Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello and State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Wrap up the show with weather from State Climatologist Trent Ford.
Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan and IFB Vice President Evan Hultine preview upcoming Illinois Farm Bureau annual meeting in Chicago.We hear from two new employees at the Illinois Pork Producers Association--Mikayla Schaefer,Director of Marketing and Jackie Wible, Director of Community Relations and Content Development.DeKalb Asgrow technical agronomist Randy Niver provides an update from east central Illinois.
Recounts have been requested for three close Iowa statehouse races. The EPA says six river segments should be added to Iowa's impaired waters list. And the Illinois Farm Bureau is no longer in the national association.
This week, we bring you the top agricultural headlines and highlights from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention in a lively and insightful episode. Tune in for updates on the ag markets, weather trends, and the latest industry news. This week's news highlights a 7% surge in U.S. food and agricultural sales to Mexico during the 2024 fiscal year. We also cover the American Farm Bureau Federation's decision to expel the Illinois Farm Bureau over a membership dispute. Additional topics include speculation about potential candidates for the next USDA Secretary of Agriculture and an overview of EPA Administrator nominee Lee Zeldin. Top agricultural leaders weigh in on the Farm Bill and share their perspectives on how Zeldin's stance on renewable fuels could impact the agriculture industry. This week's spotlight is on the fertilizer market. Josh Linville of StoneX provides an in-depth look at how the new president could influence fertilizer markets and what key developments the United States is monitoring in this critical sector. Follow us daily with agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube in addition to our weekly videos!
"Future of Illinois Farm Bureau" segment featuring IFB's Mark Gebhards and Lyndsey Ramsey.We highlight the Champaign County Ag-in-the-Classroom program with coordinator Sarah Kaper. Pioneer agronomy segment with Jeremiah Jones.
The show kicks off with a Seven with Kevin, Illinois Farm Bureau's Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities provides us an update on issues.Jim Taylor continues his coverage from the National FFA Convention, including visits with Jay Solomonson from the Illinois State University Department of Agriculture and Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences FFA Chapter President Bernard Baltimore.Jim, Rita, and DeLoss finish the show with Pigskin Pickins'.
Tim Killeen, President of the University of Illinois System visits with Illinois farm Bureau President Brian Duncan. Licensed Professional Counselor Rachel Brown talks mental health issues. Tim Thompson, Vice Chair of Illinois Corn Marketing Board highlights partnerships with groups like the Illinois Farm Bureau & Illinois Livestock Development Group as well as the corn check-off investments that benefit all of Illinois ag.
Illinois Farm Bureau's Rodney Knittel discusses Illinois Harvest Permits.We learn about the Illinois Beef Quality Showcase from the Illinois Beef Association.We get a CropWatcher report from David Schaal in Fayette County.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.
Plenty of Illinois Farm Bureau updates today:Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow.Chief Strategy Officer and Assistant to the President Mark Gebhards.Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse. Member Engagement Manager Ashley Beutke.
Illinois Farm Bureau's Raghela Scavuzzo discusses the traffic and impact of this year's Illinois Department of Agriculture tent and Illinois Specialty Growers farm stand at the Illinois State Fair. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate provides an update. We visit with BigIron Auctions founder Mark Stock as they prepare for an auction at next week's Farm Progress Show. Darin Copeland with Prairie Farms Dairy talks back to school milk and the co-ops presence at state fairs this summer.
Licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown discusses mental health topics.We highlight the McLean County 4-H Fair with Anna Ziegler, who serves as assistant manager at the McLean County Farm Bureau.We get to know five Illinois Farm Bureau interns.
Plenty of updates on the Illinois Farm Bureau front with Kevin Semlow, Mark Gebhards, and Ryan Whitehouse. Plus, we highlight the Rock Island County Fair with Keith Gorham.
Team coverage of County Fair Season. We also hear from Illinois Farm Bureau's Bill Bodine and a Manager to Manager segment featuring Winnebago Boone Manager Ann Marie Cain.
Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel provides a monthly update. We talk county fair season, highlighting the Sangamon and Morgan counties. We discuss consumer engagement with Illinois Farm Bureau's Jacey Yahne.
Our weekly 7 With Kevin, sharing an update on state and federal issues. We then talk to the IHSA State Bass Fishing Tournament Champs from Wheaton. Finally, Illinois Farm Bureau's Chris Davis provides additional details on the state policy impacting agriculture.
We chat with IAA Foundation scholarship recipient Justin Huff.Illinois Farm Bureau's Ashley Beutke promotes a discounted member package for the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR race in Madison, IllinoisJennifer Russell with the Illinois Lyme Association highlights Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather talks active weather pattern.
We hear from Curt Strubhar of Advanced Trading. He is a member of the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois and also serves on the Ag Advisory Council of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).We also highlight the Illinois Farm Bureau docuseries "Fields Apart: Rooted Together" with Mark Tuttle.
On this week's episode of the #BuildingBN podcast, CEO Patrick Hoban talks with Ryan Whitehouse, Associate Director of Local Government & Political Engagement with the Illinois Farm Bureau and current #BNEDC Board Chairperson, about One Voice 2024. Host: Patrick Hoban: CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council Guest: Ryan Whitehouse: Associate Director of Local Government & Political Engagement with the Illinois Farm Bureau Websites: https://www.bnbiz.org/, https://www.ilfb.org/ Info: One Voice 2024 Topics: One Voice 2024, and favorite place to eat in Bloomington-Normal
Delaney and Tanner catch up with DeLoss Jahnke, RFD Radio Network at the Illinois Farm Bureau, as he recounts his recent experiences on the Commstock Brazil Farmland Tour.