RFD Today May 17, 2024

Our weekly 7 With Kevin, sharing an update on state and federal issues. We then talk to the IHSA State Bass Fishing Tournament Champs from Wheaton. Finally, Illinois Farm Bureau's Chris Davis provides additional details on the state policy impacting agriculture.

Licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown provides a mental health update.University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson talks tomato planting season.  Illinois Ag in the Classroom's Kevin Daugherty is joined by children's author Penny Thomas to discuss the national Ag in the Classroom Conference.  

In Wednesday's show, we hear from Illinois FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider as the State FFA Convention nears. Joshua Bolen highlights this Saturday's 13th Annual Forreston FFA Alumni Truck & Tractor Pull.We celebrate the career of Peoria County Farm Bureau manager Patrick Kirchhofer, who is retiring May 31. 

We hear from IAA Foundation scholarship recipient Eric Wisely.We get a CropWatcher report from Ron Moore in Warren County.  Julie Hewitt breaks down the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council's annual report. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford reviews May weather.  

We highlight the county fair season with Mark Walker with the Greene County Fair.Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora with BASF talks soybean pests. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs provides an update.   Joe Camp of Commstock Investments previews a new market week.

Friday's show features our "Seven with Kevin" segment highlighting the work of Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. We get an update from acting State Director for USDA Rural Developmeny Molly Hammond.Illinois Farm Bureau Assoicate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate details a couple of important local government resources.  

State Rep. Sharon Chung discusses the Family Farm Preservation Act.  Darin Copeland discusses Prairie Farms Dairy products.Helen VanBeck from American Farmland Trust promotes the Soil Health Leadership program.Lindsay Mitchell, Director of Communications and Marketing with IL Corn will talk about a race they are sponsoring on June 22 to showcase a new shoe made of corn. There’s a consumer engagement element also – the race is the “Run your Soxs Off” 5K at the White Sox stadium in Chicago.

Guests include Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan and Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation. We also chat with COUNTRY Financial’s Vice President of Claims and Client Services Jesse Kohlbecker.We get a Pioneer agronomy segment from Matt Montgomery.  

Illinois FFA Center Executive Director Mindy Bunselmeyer previews next month’s Illinois FFA State Convention.Ryan Arch from the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association highlights a Heyworth bio-reactor project. Jim Donnelly, technical agronomist for DEKALB/Asgrow discusses tar spot.  DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick provides a summer outlook. 

State Senator Dave Koehler discusses the Family Farm Preservation Act. We get a CropWatcher report from Joel Barickman in Livingston County. Zack Hinthorn, senior agribusiness underwriter with COUNTRY Financial talks grain bin safety.Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.