RFD Today March 31, 2026

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson recaps his trip to Washington D.C. last week. Michelle Curby from the Illinois Department of Agriculture discusses the relaunch of the I-COVER program. Missouri FFA member Kolton Stolba details his experience last week as a voice of Midwest Agriculture Youth at National Ag Day. Freese-Notis Weather meteorologist Paul Otto talks heavy rains this week.

Coverage from the Illinois Junior MANRRS Leadership Conference in Freeport and the Women in Agriculture Conference in Rock Island. Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow provides state and federal updates in his “Seven with Kevin” segment.  Collin Watters discusses his position as Director of Exports and Logistics for the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features SIU Carbondale alum Steve James, who reflects on the continued acclaim of his 1994 documentary film “Hoop Dreams”.  

More coverage from Illinois Ag Legislative Day earlier this week, including conversations with Gary Mielke, President of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs and Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Krista Phillips. State FSA Director Bill Graff provides an update on farmer bridge payments.  Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association highlights Growing Matters and the BeSure! campaign. Eric Holscher from Crawford County details his experience on the recent Illinois Farm Bureau Mexico Market Study Tour.  

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