RFD Today July 18, 2025

Illinois Farm Bureau Director National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse highlights a "tool shed" conversation in Champaign County. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza with her monthly conversation. Illinois Department of Natural Resources large carnivore program manager Charis Jacques discusses black bear sightings in Illinois.  

Jenna Spychal with Jonamac Orchard and the Illinois Specilaty Growers Association talks apple growing season. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo promotes volunteer opportunities at the Illinois Specialty Growers Association tent during the Illinois State Fair.Ron Estes with Valent talks growing conditions throughout Illinois.   

Illinois State University associate professor of agribusiness Dr. Iuliia Tetteh and ISU agriculture student Patrick Collins discuss their experience at the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) 2025 Student Case Competition last month in Brazil.  United Soybean Board's Susan Watkins talks domestic demand.  Dan Haynes of the Menard County Farm Bureau Young Leaders highlights this weekend's Sweetcorn Showdown at the Menard County Fair.  

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello with assistant camp director Niki Hoesman. Licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown provides her July challenge. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick assesses summer weather in the Corn Belt.  

Monthly update from Don Schaefer with Mid-West Truckers Association.Talking Clinton County Fair with Clinton County Farm Bureau President Mark LittekenDave Mool from McLean County provides a CropWatcher report. Joe Camp from Commstock Investments previews a new market week. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse.Sadie Asher of Henry County, former Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee Chair. Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Business and Regulatory Affairs Bill Bodine.  

An update from Emma Magrady and Stephanie Swieca on their quest to visit every state park in Illinois. They are called the Fresh Air Friendship.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel discusses taking precautions at unmarked intersections with obstructed views caused by the height of corn this time of year. Brock Key with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discusses their role with the IHSA bass fishing state finals at the Lake Shelbyville.  

Monthly check-in with State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes. Celebrating county fairs in Jersey and Mercer counties.  

Adam Rader and Donna Verda with Rader Family Farms of Normal discuss a corn maze recognizing COUNTRY Financial's 100th Anniversary. The segment also features COUNTRY Financial's Sarah Franzen.  Tyler Harp talks Syngenta fungicides. Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather looks at the remaining July weather outlook.