RFD Today August 17, 2026

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.