RFD Today March 16, 2026

Update from State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes. Talking blizzard with Alex Gibbs from the National Weather Service Quad Cities office.Monthly visit with Don Schaefer from Mid-West Truckers Association.Previewing new market week with Joe Camp from Commstock Investments.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities provides federal and state updates in his "Seven with Kevin" update.  COUNTRY Financial Vice President of Claims and Client Services Jesse Kohlbecker discusses the claims process in the aftermath of this week's damaging storms in Illinois. Meteorologist David King from the National Weather Service in Chicago provides details on Tuesday night's storm system that included tornadoes and large hail.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment highlights National Athletic Training Month and features Andy Renner and Sarah Turner with the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association.

Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg highlights Nutrient Stewardship Field Days.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel details the successful turnout of "Rules for the Road" sessions. Jennifer Bauer, office manager at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds discusses Tuesday night's dangerous storm system.Monthly mental health conversation with Licensed Professional Counselor Rachel Brown.Checking in with University of Illinois Extension Director Dr. Matthew Vann.

An update on the Illinois Agrciultural Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.  Illinois Conservation Foundation "Outdoor Influencer of the Year" Josh Monahan from LeRoy.Monica Nyman from the St. Louis District Dairy Council talks National Nutrition Month and updated Dietary Guidelines. More from Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for March, Lillian Helbig from Okawville High School.   

Luke Allen, Chicago Area Program Advisor for Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education provides an ag education update. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza highlights her weekly financial transparency report.  Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather talks severe weather potential for Tuesday afternoon and evening.  

Monthly update with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.  Manager-to-Manager segment features Alexis Shreves, from Pulaski-Alexander-and-Massac County.  Meteorologist Ed Shimon from National Weather Service in Central Illinois discusses Tuesday severe weather threat.Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for March, Lillian Helbig from Okawville High School in Washington County.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson discusses his most recent visit to Washington D.C.Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow provides federal and state updates with his latest "Seven with Kevin" conversation.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences teacher and coach Brian McDowell.  

John Jones, Assistant Professor of Agronomy at the University of Illinois College of ACES recaps his presentation at the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council Investment Insight Conference. Highlighting conversations from last week's Commodity Classic, including Shianne Reynolds from Bushel Plus and Matt Jungmann with the Farm Progress Show. U-of-I Extension Horticulture Educator Ken Johnson talks garden clean-up in advance of the 2026 growing season.  

Aledo, Ilinois native and Illinois State University graduate Suzy Bogguss reflects on her recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry. Kris Reynolds from American Farmland Trust highlights Soil Health Week.  Peter Rousonelos with Meristem Crop Performance discusses their presence at last week's Commodity Classic in San Antonio. 

Learning about potato production in Illinois with Katie Neumiller from Neumiller Farms in Carroll County.  Matt Raben from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board discusses his presence at last week's Commodity Classic in San Antonio.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick talks a rainy start to March in Illinois.