RFD Today February 23, 2026

National Corn Growers Association chief economist Krista Swanson and American Farm Bureau Federation economist Danny Munch recap their presentation at last week's Illinois Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Leadership Conference in Springfield. Highlighting Cambridge Middle School FFA Chapter.  Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford discusses the Climate Prediction Center's spring weather outlook.  

We learn about historical preservation efforts in Cairo from Don Patton, founding president of The Cairo Historical Preservation Project and Quinn Adamowski of Landmarks Illinois.We hear from for Illinois FFA state officer Derek Sample, who is with the SIU-Carbondale Collegiate Farm Bureau and currently student teaching in Wayne City. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.   

Federal and state updates with Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Winnebago High School boys basketball coach Joe Murphy, who just picked up his 900th coaching victory.  

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.