RFD Today February 17, 2026

Leading up to National FFA Week, an update from the Executive Director of Illinois Association FFA Mindy Bunselmeyer. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo recaps last month's Everything Local Conference.  Raelynn Parmely, IFB Economic and Policy Analyst breaks down the latest USDA Farm Income Forecast.  

Coverage of the Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference. Conversations include Illinois Farm Bureau Bureau President Philip Nelson, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. Courtney Sandidge from Mason County details her participation in the Illinois Farm Bureau Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) program. Breese Mater Dei Catholic FFA members Angeleen Wesselmann and Lyla Koch share their Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership experience. 

Independent filmmaker Christina Shaver discusses two projects in Aledo. One involves the film "Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois" and the other involves a documentary film on late Aledo artist Gertrude Abercrombie.  Bill Graff, State Executive Director USDA-FSA and Shelley Sweatman, Illinois Conservation Division Chief USDA-FSA, talk CRP sign-up.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick discusses the possibility for severe weather on Thursday.  

Highlighting the first-ever Breaded Pork Tenderloin Draft from the Illinois Pork Producers Association with IPPA's Mikayla Schaefer and winner Jeff Buckler, owner of Buford’s Pub in Sadorus. Learning about the California Farm Bureau from Fiona Carroll, field representative. Interview recorded during last month's American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Anaheim.  Previewing a new market with Joe Camp from Commstock Investments.   

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow.Monthly update from Jennifer Tirey with the Illinois Pork Producers Association.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Normal U-High speech coach Brian Rohman, who will join the IHSA as an Assistant Executive Director in July. 

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.  Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg recaps her presentation at the Illinois Farm Bueau Young Leader Conference last weekend.Jeff Behme, a farmer from Carlinville, details his participation in the 2025 Asgrow Brand National Yield Contest.

State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes talks summer interns and trapping cooperators. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel discusses non-domiciled CDLs. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson details seed starting. 

An update from the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.Coverage of the Western Illinois University Ag Mech Club's Farm Expo with WIU Ag Mech Club President Owen Bull and McDonough County Farm Bureau President Colby Hunt.Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather talks February rain forecast for southern Illinois.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Chair Garrett Williams from the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference in East Peoria over the weekend.Mid-West Truckers Association's Don Schaefer from the Mid-West Truck & Trailer Show in Peoria.  Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for February, Trent Stiers from Williamsfield High School in Knox County.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.