RFD Today March 24, 2026

Coverage from Illinois Ag Legislative Day in Springfield, including conversations with Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson, IFB Director of State Legislation Chris Davis, State Senator Doris Turner, State Rep. Charlie Meier, and Illinois Corn Growers Association Vice President Don Guinnip.  

Quinn Adamowksi with Landmarks Illinois discusses grant opportunties. Plus, we learn about the Illinois Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford details extreme weather swings in March in Illinois.

Tom Heinold with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District provides an update on the Navigation Maintenance Backlog list.Celebrating 2026 Master Farmers Steve Hettinger, Mike Pratt and Doug Winter. Commstock Investments' Joe Camp previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow with state and federal updates in his "Seven with Kevin" segment. Learning about the Illinois Farm Bureau A-LOT (Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow) program.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation Executive Director Kirk Builta, who serves as a community host during the IHSA boys basketball state tournament in Champaign. This year he was paired with the Quincy Notre Dame basketball team.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate highlights the latest round of IFB rural development grants.IFB Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo provides recap of Illinois Product Expo. Learning about the work and mission of Farm Rescue from Terry Johnston. Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

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.