RFD Today January 2, 2025

Scholarship season is underway as we visit with IAA Foundation's Jennifer Smith.Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine discusses state and federal energy policy issues heading into 2025.Winter storm reaction with Matt Barnes from the National Weather Service in Lincoln.A chat with Dr. Sharon M. “Shelly” Nickols-Richardson, Director of the University of Illinois Extension. Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

We visit with Emma Magrady and Stephanie Swieca about their Fresh Air Friendship, a mission to visit every state park in Illinois. The two are named the Outdoor Influencer of the Year by the Illinois Conservation Foundation. We chat with Sadie Asher of Henry County, who received the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee Excellence in Ag Award last month. A check-in with Pivot Bio CEO Chris Abbott in a conversation from the 2024 Farm Progress Show.

The Master Gardener program in Illinois celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as we chat with U-of-I Extension's Candice Anderson.We highlight Ag in the Classroom efforts in DuPage County with Ag Literacy Coordinator Kristina Baumbach.We visit with Illinois Corn Growers Association board member Chris Gould from Kane County.  

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.