RFD Today December 18, 2024

Illinois Farm Bureau's Kevin Semlow and Ryan Whitehouse discuss all the moving parts as it relates to the potential government shutdown and continuing resolution debate in Washington.  Jeff Adkisson of the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois provides an update and previews their 132nd annual convention and trade show.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo previews the Everything Local Conference. Ameren Illinois' Stephanie Robinson discusses the Google Nest smart thermostat program.Illinois Farm Bureau Consumer Engagement Manager Gracie Pierson recaps 2024 and looks ahead to 2025.Prairie Farms Dairy's Darin Copeland talks help with holiday meals and recipes. 

We highlight an Ag in the Classroom reindeer feed store project in Bureau County with Bureau County Farm Bureau Manager Jill Fruh. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate recaps 2024.We discuss the Illinois Farm Bureau Roots Lager project with DESTIHL Brewery Founder and CEO Matt Potts. We get a monthly update from State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Illinois FFA Center Assistant Executive Director John Edgar highlights various FFA conferences this school year in Illinois. Jon Rosenstiel, Illinois corn farmer, discusses his role as Vice Chair of National Corn Growers Association Biofuels Action Committee.Nancy Kreith, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator details her Gardening Wish List this holiday season.  DTN Ag Meteorologist talks prospects for Illinois' first significant snow event. 

Mid-West Truckers Association’s Don Schaefer recaps 2024 and looks to 2025 as a change in administration takes place next month. Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan discusses IFB’s collaboration with DESTIHL in Normal to launch Roots Lager.  We celebrate the Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for December, Ella Anderson from Annawan High School in Henry County. Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.   

Illinois Corn Growers Association Executive Director Rodney Weinzierl recaps 2024 and looks ahead to 2025.We highlight the Outdoor Business/Business Owner of the Year from the Illinois Conservation Foundation, Park Bait and Stacey Greene from Chicago. We discuss Will County Farm Bureau's participation in Wreaths Across America with manager Mark Schneidewind.

We discuss scam awareness and prevention with Brian Bretsch from Ameren Illinois. We visit with Illinois FFA State Reporter Sidney Stiers. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel provides an update.  

We visit with the new chair of the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee, Stephen Riskedal from LaSalle County.  We chat with Farm Rescue volunteer Erv Geisler, who was staffing the booth at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.We get an update on the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2025 from IALF Program Director Mellisa McMillan.State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes provides the latest on the spotted lanternfly and other invasive insects. 

Illinois Wheat Association's Dean Campbell discusses a petition drive to place a wheat checkoff question before wheat producers.  We highlight Illinois Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Lisa Corp from Stephenson County.  We visit with retiring Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Director Keith Mussman from Kankakee County.  Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto talks about the chances for a white Christmas.  

We hear from Patoka, Illinois native and Nashville recording artist Drew Baldridge, who performed at the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.  We visit with Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Discussion Meet winner Michaela Greathouse from Edwards County.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.