RFD Today March 17, 2026

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson remembers ag broadcasting legend Orion Samuelson and previews his trip to Washington D.C. next week. Learning about campground hosting opportunities at state parks, recreation areas and historic sites across Illinois from Joe Lenkaitis with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Syngenta Agronomic Service Representative Kevin Scholl offers weed management tips for an unpredictable spring

Learning about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's oral history project with Oral History Manager Scot Loyd. An excerpt from one of the oral history interviews featuring legiendary ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson, recorded in 2009. Samuelson passed away Monday.Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Program Coordinator Perry Harlow highlights the "Hoops for Hunger Bracket Challenge".DTN agriculture meteorologist John Baranick breaks down a wild week of weather in Illinois.   

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.