RFD Today April 2, 2025

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza talks food assistance and access following a check presentation in a Chicago neighborhood earlier this week.  FarmWeekNow's Rhiannon Branch details weather conditions in southern Illinois and previews the CropWatcher season. Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine provides says landowners continue to hear from wind and solar developers.IFB Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting provides a monthly update.  

We learn about Looking for Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area with Executive Director Sarah Watson, Executive Director and Program Manager Heather Feezor.An Illinois Ag in the Classroom update from Kevin Daugherty.Previewing the Midwest Horse Fair with Teri Giannetti.

State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes provides an update.Reminders from KJ Johnson with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association as spring planting season gets underway.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick says southern Illinois can expect plenty of rain this week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse recaps last week's Leader to Washington program.  Licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown talks spring planting season.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.   

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow with his latest edition of "Seven with Kevin."We meet DuPage County Farm Bureau manager Kara Norton.Illinois Wheat Association update from Matt Wehmeyer.A visit with mental health advocate Adrienne DeSutter.

Chris Embry Mohr, science and ag teacher at Olympia High School, discusses a popcorn project at the school.  An IL Corn update from Executive Director Rodney Weinzierl.Ryan Tate and Mitchell Remmert with the Illinois Farm Bureau Local Government team talk the Allies in Agriculture program.  

We learn about natural gas distribution from Ameren Illinois.  Scott England discusses his documentary film, "The Farmer's Daughter".  Darin Copeland with Prairie Farms Dairy details a new product line launched ahead of the Indianapolis 500.

Andy LaVigne with the American Seed Trade Association discusses the "Growing Matters’ BeSure! Campaign".  Recognizing the Illinois Farm Bureau Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program with recent grads Jay Long and Kristen Ewing.Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford recaps winter and previews spring. 

Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood talks tax provisions, Farm Bill, trade and tariffs.  Neoga School District Superintendent Kevin Haarman discusses impacts from a recent tornado.  Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

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.