RFD Today May 18, 2026

Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow with state and federal updates in his "Seven with Kevin" segment.  Logan County farmer Derek Martin talks conservation practices.IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Tim Schweizer from SportsRadio 1450 in Springfield, who began his broadcasting career in 1974.  

Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi discusses IDOT's Higher Education Student Loan Repayment Assistance for Engineers Pilot Program.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate highlights IFB's Code of Country Living document. Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Food Systems Development Raghela Scavuzzo previews next month's Summer Horticulture Day at Rader Family Farm in Normal.  

Checking in with Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson.  Jay Bliler discusses his recent commencement speech at Lake Land College.Lane Kreiling recaps his experience with the Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra discusses emergency preparedness.Illinois Farm Bureau Environmental Program Manager Bena Pegg highlights Nutrient Stewardship Field Days scheduled for this summer. DTN ag meteorologist John Baranick talks late May and early June weather.  

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza discusses the Illinois certification and procurement process and how small businesses can get involved in bidding on state contracts.Lauren Schuler details her role as Chief of Staff for the Illinois Farm Bureau President's office. Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week.  

Reaction to House passage of E15 vote this week from Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Kevin Semlow. Monthly update from Illinois Farm Bureau Director of Commodity Programs and Food Systems Tasha Bunting.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Davis Whitfield from the National Federation of State High School Associations discussing a new online course for high school students, which provides education and resources on mental wellness. 

Monthly visit with Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello. Patrick Giberson with the United Soybean Board discusses industrial uses for soybeans.  Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel discusses the new MOTUS system being utilized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  

Monthly update from State Ag Pest Survey coordinator Kelly Estes. Highlighting a special Passport to Illinois keepsake with Gabrielle Lyon from the Illinois America 250 Commission.  

Don Schaefer from Springfield, IL based Mid-West Truckers Association provides latest update on trucking issues, including this week's International Roadcheck.A new monthly segment called "Tomorrow's Leaders Today" highlights the Kane County Young Farmers group. Monthly visit with the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather says May will feature the battle between spring and summer.  

Illinois State Police Trooper Ryan Wagand offers some safety reccomendations for drivers that find themselves in a dust storm while traveling and other general travel tips.Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for May Haven Cash talks about podcast production and youth entrepreneuership.Joe Camp, Commstock Investments, has a regular Market Monday conversation on crude oil and corn with RFD Radio Network's DeLoss Jahnke.