RFD Today

Monthly update from Don Schaefer with Mid-West Truckers Association.  Bob Eschbach with the Ottawa Center for the Arts details historic preservation efforts at two former church buildings.  Highlighting Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for September, Adalyn Solomonson from El Paso Gridley High School. Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week. 

State and federal updates with Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow in his "Seven with Kevin" segment.  Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talks harvest season and upcoming grain tours.IHSA Friday Friday Friday features El Paso Gridley head football coach Tanner Benedict plus Pigskin Pickins' with Jim, Rita and DeLoss.  

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza discusses prevailing wage laws in Illinois.Monica Nyman with the St. Louis District Dairy Council details the nutritional benefits and recipe versatility for cottage cheese.  Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel provides information on harvest permits.   

Lisa Ellis from the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance promotes the Illinois wine industry.  Monthly visit with licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown.Kevin Daugherty with Illinois Ag in the Classroom discusses AITC's presence at the Illinois State Fair and highlights a new academic year.  

Talking propane supply and demand with Michael Newland with the Propane Education and Research Council.  "Tomorrow's Leaders Today" segment with Kenzie Holste from Stephenson County.  Tim Birkel from Wyffels Hybrids details his Director of Marketing role.  Breaking down the rest of September weather with meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather. 

Learning about the process of being placed on the National Register of Historic Places from Quinn Adamowski from Landmarks Illinois and Alison Costanzo from the Lombard Historical Society.From last week's Farm Progress Show, Justin Moritz, North American Soybean Trait Launch Manager for BASF. Previewing a new market week with Joe Camp from CommStock Investments. 

Talking rural development with USDA Rural Development State Director Jesus Ortega and USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Riverdale High School football coach Guy Dierikx plus Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss, Jim and RFD Radio content coordinator Collin Schopp. https://www.spreaker.com/episode/rfd-today-september-04-2026--74900451

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow providing federal updates in his "Seven with Kevin" segment.  Coverage of the Farm Progress Show including conversations with Iowa State University VP of Extension and Outreach Jason Henderson, Syngenta Corn Product Manager Matt Dolch, and  PTx North American marketing lead Bryce Baker.  

Coverage from the 2026 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa including conversations with ag broadcaster Max Armstrong, FPS show manager Matt Jungmann, Terry Johnston with Farm Rescue, and Jackson Baca with John Deere on the JD AI Assistant launch.  

Jackie Wible of the IL Pork highlights the Illinois Pork Tenderloin Crawl.  Macoupin County Farm Bureau member and Carlinville Chamber of Commerce President Jon Griffel discusses an effort for Carlinville to become a Hallmark Christmas Town. Monthly update from IL Corn with Randolph County farmer Jack McCormick. DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick details the September weather outlook. 

Highlighting the Illinois Farm Bureau IVET program with Oklahoma State University vet med student Emma Frank from Atkinson. Manager-to-Manager segment features McDonough County Farm Bureau manager Leah Moorman.Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow provides state and federal updates in his "Seven with Kevin" segment. Dr. Iuliia Tetteh, Associate Professor of Agribusiness at Illinois State University details her experience participating in the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation program. IHSA Friday Friday Friday features high school football historian Kev Varney and Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss, Jim and Rita.  

University of Illinois Extension's Farm Coach Kevin Brooks discusses his blog series on estate planning.  Monthly update from American Farmland Trust.  Highlighting 104-year-old farmer Donnie Peterson and his farm machinery sale in Mercer County.   

Talking statewide pest surveys with State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes. Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate.  Ag education and FFA discussion with District 5 FCAE Program Advisor Casey Bolin.  

Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK Executive Director of Corporate and Government Relations reflects on his career as he is set to retire on September 1. "Tomorrow's Leaders Today" segment features Illinois Farm Bureau Youth and Program Coordinator Taylor Hartke promoting Collegiate Farm Bureau kickoff events. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford provides a timeline for this year's record outbreak of tornadoes in Illinois.  

Illinois State Police Public Infornation Officer Ryan Wagand discusses stop arm violations and e-bikes.  Scot Loyd with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Oral History Project highlights two interviews on women's professional baseball in Illinois. 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. U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton on her appearance before the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors.IHSA Friday Friday Friday features Levi Maierhofer and his hslogos.com project, plus Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss and Rita.  

Coverage from the Illinois State Fair including conversations with Josh St. Peters from the Illinois Beef Association, Darren Feldkamp with Building 29 memories, and Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo provides an update from the Illinois Specialty Growers Association Farm Stand. 

Coverage from the Illinois State Fair, including conversations with Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Krista Phillips, Illinois FFA major state officers Owen Rigg and Haven Cash, and Don Guinnip from IL Corn. Monthly visit with Don Schaefer from Mid-West Truckers Association.  

Coverage from the Illinois State Fair including conversations with Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Jenna Spychal with the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, and Christian County Farm Bureau President Mathew Heberling. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick breaks down last week's big rain event in Illinois. 

More coverage from the Illinois State Fair including conversations with Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski & Mary Miller, and former two-time Grand Champion Steer exhibitor A.J. Line. CommStock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.   

Coverage of the Illinois State Fair, including interviews with Tom Moore from the Jersey County Fair and the Illinois Association of Ag Fairs, Illinois Farm Bureau Member Benefit and Events Manager Stephanie Knittel, Kendra Anderson with Midwest Dairy, and Illinois Specialty Growers Association Farm Stand Manager Phil Wright.   

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello kicks off the Illinois State Fair.  Farmer chat with Chad and Stacy Schutz from Greene County.  

Coverage of Tuesday's DeKalb County Farm Talk, including conversations with host farmer Berkeley Boehne, who serves as DeKalb County Farm Bureau President and Harrison Alrbight, Director of Governmental Affairs and Engagement with the Cook County Farm Bureau. Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg highlights upcoming Nutrient Stewardship Field Days.  Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs discusses his presence at the Illinois State Fair.   

Coverage from the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable, featuring U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy, and Illinois gubernatorial candidates Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Darren Bailey."Tomorrow's Leaders Today" segment highlights Henry County Young Leader Makenna Walker.  Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto looks at Illinois State Fair weather outlook and the rest of August.  

Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health discusses his agency's presence at the Illinois State Fair.  Kevin Daugherty with Illinois Ag in the Classroom highlights children's book authors who will featured at this year's Illinois State Fair.  Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs of Commodities Kevin Semlow provides reaction to Thursday's Senate Ag Committee vote on the Farm Bill. Monthly visit with University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Gary Grohovena of the Inter-Athletic Council of Officials (IACO).  

Recapping the second academic year of the "Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month program." Nominations are now open for the third academic year at farmweeknow.com/activelyengaged. 

Monthly visit with Licensed Professional Counselor Rachel Brown.  Olivia Hoots from the Illinois Beef Association and Gage Marinelli from the Illinois Pork Producers Association discuss Illinois State Fair plans.   Dereke Dunkirk details his role with the Illinois Livestock Development Group.

Cass County farmer David Wessel details his role on the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council. An update from Casey Kula with American Farmland Trust.  DTN ag meteorologist Teresa Wells provides a weather update.  

Illinois State Police Public Information Officer Ryan Wagand discusses UTV and ATV topics. Bob Myers promotes the 12th annual DeKalb County Barn Tour.Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week. 

State and federal updates with Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow in his "Seven with Kevin" update.  Recapping the Illinois Farm Bureau "Put Me in Coach" promotion at Thursday's Cards vs. Cubs game at Busch Stadium. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Maroa-Forsyth head football coach Josh Jostes.

Dr. Ashley Belle, a University of Illinois Extension Environmental Quality Extension Specialist discusses an Illinois Household Food Waste Survey.Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard in Malta and chair of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association highlights the ISGA Farm Stand at the Illinois State Fair.

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson covers a number of topics and issues. Previewing the Grand American championships taking place at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta with Randy Moeller, Executive Director of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. 

Chad Schimpf, operations safety supervisor for Ameren Illinois discusses generator/rooftop backfeed installation and safety.“Tomorrow’s Leaders Today” segment features Greta Hall from the University of Illinois Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. Illinois State Climatologist Trant Ford talks dew point, state weather outlook, and July weather data. 

Mark Litteken discusses his service to agriculture serving as Clinton County Farm Bureau President and on the Clinton County Fair Board.  Kaitlyn Dozler, Virtual Fence Program Manager at the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture, highlights the latest in virtual fencing. Edgar County farmer Tara Barrett-Duzan is helping organize a fundraiser called “Ride to Beat Cancer”.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 IL Corn features Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship Megan Dwyer. IHSA Friday Friday Friday highlights the Basketball Museum of Illinois and Executive Director Jason Ronai.

Previewing the Illinois State Fair with State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. Scot Loyd with Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Oral History project highlights the “Tumultuous 2020” collection.

Talking county fairs with Craig McCoy of the Fulton County Fair and Doug Telford from the Marion County Fair. John Heiser, District Program 1 Advisor for Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education highlights ag teacher conferences this summer.  

Visiting with retired Seneca High School ag teacher Jeff Maierhofer, who received the Distinguished Service Award at last month’s Illinois FFA Convention.  USDA Rural Development State Director Jesus Ortega discusses the Fertilizer Investment and Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply or FIELDS program. He also highlights a couple of rural development projects in Nashville and Galena.       DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick looks at the remaining July weather forecast and provides an August outlook. 

Previewing the Farm Progress Show with National Events Director Matt Jungmann.Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza discusses legislation strengthening regulatory oversight of crematories.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.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo promotes volunteer opportunities for the Illinois Specialty Growers Association Farm Stand during the Illinois State Fair.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Monmouth-Roseville High School football coach and athletic director Jeremy Adolphson.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Excellence in Agriculture Award winner Blake Lanphier from Cook County.  Monthly visit with State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes.  New World Screwworm update from Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting.

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Achievement Award winners Austin and Marti Schriner from Carroll County.  New Illinois FFA State Treasurer Lane Perry.  Scot Loyd highlights the Illinois Statecraft section at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel discusses the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg highlights July Nutrient Stewardship Field Days. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today segment features Quinton Huelsmann from the Clinton County Young Leaders.Monthly update from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  Meteorologist Paul Otto at Freese-Notis Weather discusses the remaining July weather outlook. 

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson recaps his recent trip to Washington D.C. for the American Farm Bureau Federation Council of Presidents meeting.  Monthly update from Don Schaefer with Mid-West Truckers Association.  Joe Camp at Comm-Stock Investments previews a new market week.  

Jon Griffel from Macoupin County, a winner in the Illinois Farm Bureau "Put Me In Coach" promotion, will throw out the first pitch at the Cardinals vs. Cubs game a Busch Stadium on July 30.Eric Muller from Lake County details his experience with the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Dave Nanninga of the Illinois High School Glory Days website.  

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.  Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza on paying the state's bills.  Farm Progress Show National Events Director Matt Jungmann on his involvement in the Mercer County Fair. 

Update from State FSA Director Bill Graff.Illinois Ag In The Classroom's Kevin Daugherty highlights summer activities.Amir Sadeghpour, SIU professor of soil fertility, previews the SIU Nutrient Research Field Day on July 14. 

Mark Denzler from the Illinois Manufacturers' Association highlights the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame. William Shannon from the St. Clair County Historical Society previews "The Language of Liberty" event at the Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site. DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick talks remainder of July weather outlook.