RFD Today May 2, 2025

A power packed Illinois Farm Bureau show with Kevin Semlow, Bill Bodine, Taylor Hartke, Lori Jackson, and Ashley Beutke. 

Celebrating 100 years of RFD Radio Network affiliate WJBC in Bloomington with Scott Miller.State Master Gardener Coordinator Candice Anderson highlights regional celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program. Learning about Pivot Energy from Illinois territory manager Nate Mendez.  

Lynn Weis with the Farm Family Resource Initiative discusses next month's Rural Mental Health Summit at the Agricenter in Bloomington. Crystal Williams provides a Pioneer agronomy segment from northern Illinois. The Illinois What Association promotes the Southern Illinois Wheat Tour.  

Jenna Spychal talks Jonamac Orchard and Illinois Specialty Growers Association.  Reaction to the Illinois Wheat Checkoff referendum being approved.  Paul Otto at Freese-Notis Weather discusses dry weather potential in May.  

Jennifer Smith discusses IAA Foundation scholarship awards.Jimmy Ayers provides a CropWatcher report from Sangamon County. State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark details a "100 Days Out" event.  Joe Camp with Commstock Investments previews a new market week.  

Monthly check-in with licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown.  Illinois Corn Marketing Board member Terry Smith provides an update.  Andrea Duncan with Carlinville Tourism gives us a history lesson on the Macoupin County Courthouse.  Learning about Pivot Energy with Nate Mendez, Illinois territory manager.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan discusses a number of issues, including Family Farm Preservation Act and trade.   Catching up with Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Johnna Fulcher.  Sherrard FFA President Levi Schurr promotes a Livestock Fitting Clinic.  Pioneer agronomist Jason McVicker provides an update along the I-80 corridor in northern Illinois. 

Illinois Farm Bureau Economic & Policy Analyst Raelynn Parmely takes a deep dive into the "2025 Tax Debate". A chat with Cook County Farm Bureau leadership--President Janet McCabe and Vice President Gerry Kopping. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford recaps spring weather thus far and discusses the outlook for the remainder of April and all of May.   

Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team members Alex Paul and Janella Neary highlight the strength of 4-H across the state.   Joel Barickman provides a CropWatcher report from Livingston County.  Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs historian David Engelbrecht talks the importance of county fairs in Illinois.  Joe Camp at Commstock Investments previews a new market week.