RFD Today December 18, 2025

Bill Graff, State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Illinois discusses the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.   Raghela Scavuzzo, Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development highlights the "specialtygrowers.org/shoplocal" online resource. Updates from the American Farmland Trust and Illinois Wheat Association.   

Talking urban agriculture at Augustana College in Rock Island with Ian Empen and the "Augie Acres" project. AAA's Molly Hart discusses holiday travel numbers.  Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel.  

Talking popcorn business with Scott Trimble from Farmer Scott's Premium Popcorn in Heyworth. Kane County Farm Bureau highlights its "Eat, Join, Win" project. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick says December weather will stay active, but turn warmer.   

Don Schaefer from Springfield, IL based Mid-West Truckers Association discusses a nationwide crackdown on CDL mills. Illinois FFA Center Assistant Director John Edgar highlights several conferences.Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Highlighting Illinois Milk Producers Association award winners. Retired Will County Farm Bureau manager Mark Schneidewind reaction to his "World of Corn Award" from IL Corn.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Lena-Winslow head football coach Ric Arand.   

Talking Family Farm Preservation Act in State Senator Andrew Chesney and State Rep. Tony McCombie.  A visit with University of Illinois Collegiate Farm Bureau member Blake Twenhafel.Update from State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes.Monthly update from State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Highlighting work of local county farm bureaus, including Christian County with "Homegrown Heroes", Edwards County with "Bring on the Beef", and Woodford County with "BBQ Throwdown".University of Illinois Extension's Ken Johnson discusses the effects of road salt on plants.

Newly elected Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson.  IFB Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow reviews the resolutions process from Monday's delegate session.  Retiring IFB District 3 Director Jeff Kirwan reflects on his ten years on the board. Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto talks December weather.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Discussion Meet winner Kade Hill from Livingston County. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin visits the Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month Reed Weber from Ridgeview High School in McLean County.Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow provides federal and state updates.Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine previews an IFB annual meeting micro talk.Pierce Vanne from Vanne Farms talks Christmas trees.Photojournalist Vincent Johnson promotes his book, "Illustrious, The Best High School Basketball Gyms In Illinois."