RFD Today December 23, 2025

Special Christmas show featuring Christmas memories from Nikki Taylor (Jim Taylor's wife), Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Issue Management DeAnne Bloomberg, Monticello High School educator & coach Cully Welter, farm broadcaster Max Armstrong, and retired WRMJ owner John Hoscheidt.  

An extended conversation with Dr. Ed Hightower, who played a key role in responding to a food desert and bringing a grocery store to Venice, Illinois. Dr. Hightower currently serves on the SIU Board of Trustees. He spent many years as Edwardsville School District superintendent and is a retired Big Ten basketball official, working 12 NCAA Final Fours.  

Talking school bus safety and raising public awareness on stop arm violations with Rockridge School District Superintendent Marcus Bush and Illinois State Police Trooper Shafer McKune. Holiday travel update with Paul Wappel from the Illinois Department of Transportation.Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford details Christmas and New Year's weather.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson discusses the resolutions process leading up to American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention next month. IFB Economic and Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely highlights the 2025 State of the Farm Economy report. Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard and the Illinois Specialty Growers Association promotes next month's Everything Local Conference.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. Illinois Ag Leadership Class of 2027 update.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features WRMJ Sports Director Ty Taylor discussing IHSA football playoff expansion proposal that won approval this week.  

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.