RFD Today December 25, 2024

Highlighting our Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month recognition program, which was launched this school year. We hear from Avery Watson of Unity High School, Aidan Knobloch from Herscher High School, Max Main from ROWVA High School, and Ella Anderson from Annawan High School.

Reflecting on some of our favorite conversations during 2024:Former Illinois FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider just shortly before becoming National FFA President last October. Ogle County Fair Queen Blakelynn Swanson from a livestock barn during Ogle County Fair week in August.  County Farm Bureau in action, as Schuyler County Farm Bureau President Chris Vogler in August discussing a deer nuisance meeting. Plus, Freese-Notis Weather's Paul Otto details snow and bitter cold temps arriving in January.   

Curt Hastings, Illinois Farm Bureau Printing & Mailing Manager talks with RFD Radio’s Rita Frazer about his 40+ year career at IFB.Celebrating Ag in the Classroom in Hancock County. Commstock Investments Joe Camp recaps 2024 market year.  

KJ Johnson with the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association recaps 2024 and looks ahead to 2025.  University of Illinois Extension Specialist Josie Rudolphi discusses mental health issues involving rural youths.Highlighting a couple of our favorite conversations from 2024, farm broadcaster Max Armstrong and the farmers who plant corn at the Field of Dreams site.   

Illinois Farm Bureau's Mark Gebhards reflects on his career with the organization.  Illinois Farm Bureau Economic & Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely provides an update with the Corporate Transparency Act and the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting requirement.Highlighting one of our favorite 2024 interviews, Malachi Cliff of the Crete-Monee FFA Chapter.    

Holiday cheer, recipes, and traditions with RFD Radio's Rita Frazer and Jolene Neuhauser and Illinois Farm Bureau's DeAnne Bloomberg and Emily Hall.Plus, that soybean plastics plant reference in "It's a Wonderful Life."

Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan discusses--USMCA victory for corn to Mexico, continuing resolution approval, and need for permanent Farm Bill.Riley Robb from earlier this year staffing the Lake Land College booth at the National FFA Convention.   Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford recaps 2024 and looks at Christmas and New Year's Forecast.  

USDA Rural Development State Director Pam Monetti discusses several projects around the state. We check in with Illinois FFA President Trenton Payne. Illinois Manufacturers' Association's Mark Denzler speaks to the Illinois Corn Growers Association. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

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.