RFD Today April 12, 2024

“Seven with Kevin” featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow.Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation talks Farm Bill.Helen VanBeck with American Farmland Trust discusses the “Find Tool" through the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership.DeLoss, Jim, and Rita finish the show with Pigskin Pickins’.

COUNTRY Financial’s Zach Hinthorn highlights National Farm Safety and Health Week. We preview a 75th anniversary celebration at Ferne Clyffe State Park in southern Illinois. We meet Hancock County Farm Bureau Manager Richlyn Hoener.

We hear from Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan.  We talk Farm Bill with John Newton, former Senate Ag Committe, former U of I FarmDoc team, and former American Farm Bureau Federation.  We highlight Teach Ag Day with Megan Coy, District 4 Program Advisor for FCAE.Celebrating the the county fair scene with Brad Temple at the Sandwich Fair.  

We talk Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with Dr. Glen Yang, a physician in urology at Carle Health.Third year vet student Justin Huff promotes next month's open house at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick details warm and dry conditions this week.  

Monthly check-in with Don Schaefer from the Mid-West Truckers Association. We meet our Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for Septemebr, Avery Watson from Unity High School in Tolono.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

It's "Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow.We celebrate the county fair season visitinfg with Miss Ogle County Fair Queen Blakelynn Swanson.Julie Hewitt with the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council discusses 2025 research funding projects. DeLoss, Rita, and Jim wrap up the week with Pigskin Pickins'. 

Regular check in with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. We talk metrics and reach with Illinois Farm Families in a visit with Illinois Farm Bureau Consumer Engagement Manager Gracie Pierson.U of I Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson discusses the benefits of cover crops for your garden. 

State Senator Neil Anderson is launching a survey aimed at identifying the scope of crop damage caused by wildlife. German Bollero, Dean of the College of ACES at the University of Illinois discusses a new academic year.Monthly update from State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Megan Dwyer, IL Corn, Director of Conservation & Nutrient Stewardship & Amelia Cheek, Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Environmental Policy were part of a group who traveled to New Orleans last month, exploring the actual status of the hypoxic zone and impact on local aquaculture/harvest.We learn about a county fair taking place right next to a big high school football game in Calhoun County with Calhoun County High School football coach Aaron Elmore. Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto discusses remnants of Tropical Storm Francine impacting southern Illinois. 

Join Jim & the rest of the RFD team for today's episode of RFD Today. In addition to a check of the markets and what we might expect this week in Chicago, a report from the field with Farm Week CropWatcher Mary Streitmatter of Marshall County. We also hear from USDA Rural Development State Director Pam Monetti and learn about a new middle school ag program at Hinckley-Big Rock.