RFD Today April 17, 2026

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.