RFD Today March 5, 2025

Updates from Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan and Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. We then hear from Scott Gaffner.  The Bond County farmer Scott Gaffner, the first Illinois farmer on three national boards representing Illinois soybeans. U.S. Soybean Export Council, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health & U.S. Poultry & Egg Council. The show wraps up with details on this weekend's Forreston FFA Alumni Toy and Craft show from Joshua Bolen.

Illinois Farm Bureau Assistant Director of State Legislation Anna McKinley discusses deer nuisance  legislation filed in Springfield.  Photojournalist Vincent Johnson on his travels throughout the state and his new book “Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms In Illinois.”

State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly provides a March update and says trapping cooperators are needed throughout the state.Commodity Classic coverage from RFD Radio's Rita Frazer.  University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks spring gardening.  

Jenna Spychal provides updates on the Illinois Specialty Growers Association and Jonamac Orchard in Malta. Kevin Daugherty with Illinois Ag in the Classroom details some conferences coming up.DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick says heavy rain should impact parts of Illinois today and tonight.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation Ryan Whitehouse talks budget and Farm Bill.  We catch up Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition at the Commodity Classic.Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

"Seven with Kevin" featuring Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow.  We talk food insecurity with Michael Hoffman from Midwest Food Bank. An update on the 2025 county fair season with Ken Tyrrell from the Sandwich Fair. Eric Snodgrass previews next month's Illinois Farm Bureau Advantage Conference. 

Christian Lovell from the Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition previews next month's Grazing Conference in Springfield. We highlight an "Adopt a County Board Member" program in Woodford County with Woodford County Young Leader Ali Gibbs. Henry County farmer Rock Katschnig provides a "snowbird" report. 

Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future promotes Spring Green Career Week.  We talk farmland market with Andrew Schultz with Arrowhead Land Company. 

We preview the Illinois Farm Bureau Advantage Conference with keynote speaker Peter Zeihan.We meet Alexis Shreves, manager for the Massac County Farm Bureau and Pulaski-Alexander Farm Bureau. We chat local government with Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford talks a wetter than normal spring planting outlook.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo recaps last month's Everything Local Conference. Illinois Farm Bureau Economic & Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely with an update on the Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirement. Commstock Investments Joe Camp previews a new market week.