RFD Today January 12, 2026

Monthly update with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.  Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine discusses data centers. The 103 year legacy of the Winchester Invitational Tournament with tournament historian Kent Coultas.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow.State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Illinois Bill Graff discusses Farmer Bridge Assistance payments.  Ed Shimon from the National Weather Service in Lincoln promotes a Storm Anxiety Webinar scheduled for Jan. 21.Johnna Fulcher recaps her reign as Miss Illinois County Fair Queen. 

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson recaps the AFBF Convention in Anaheim. Also from Anaheim, we visit with a county farm bureau member from Tennessee, Herman Partin. Casey Bolin, District 5 Program Advisor for Faciliating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE) gives an update on ag teaching vacancies.University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks fruit tree pruning.  

Coverage of the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention, including conversations with Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Kade Hill from Livingston County and Daniel and Constance Herriott from Champaign County. Plus, highlighting DuPage County Farm Bureau's "Grow Your Own Food: A Container to Table Activity".Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto says cold, snow, and ice on the way over the next 12 days.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson from the AFBF Convention in Anaheim.Catching up with Henry County farmer Kate Huffman following her Excellence in Ag presentation at AFBF Convention.  Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for January Kinley Stolte from Nokomis High School in Montgomery County.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow. Jennifer Smith highlights IAA Foundation scholarship season. Learning about a proposed Basketball Museum of Illinois project from Bruce Firchau of the Illinois Basketball Coaches of Association. 

Talking 2026 Illinois State Fair with State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza promotes making financial resolutions in the new year.  

Talking 4-H with Illinois 4-H Director Kevin Carey. Jeremiah Fairbanks with Morton Buildings discusses farm building "checkups".Highlighting the collegiate farm bureau chapter at the University of Illinois with Robby Holtschlag.  

John Shadowens, University of Illinois Extension Community Economic Development Educator discusses the challenges and issues independent grocers are facing in Illinois.Illinois Ag in the Classroom's Kevin Daugherty provides monthly update. DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick talks drought monitor.