RFD Today October 05, 2026

Jennifer Russell, Executive Director and Jenny Buttaccio, Communications Director with the Illinois Lyme Association discuss tick population, prevention and awareness, Asian longhorned tick, and Alpha-gal syndrome. Illinois Ag In the Classroom Education Director Kevin Daugherty recaps 2025/26 academic year numbers. Joe Camp with CommStock Investments previews a new market week.    

Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers (IAVAT) president Maggie McCalla from Staunton discusses ag education line item. Conversation from last month's Farm Progress Show with Wen Carter from AMVAC. IHSA Friday Friday Friday features Meridian High School football coach Kyle Sparks plus Pigskin Pickins' with Jim, DeLoss & Rita.  

Talking fall agritourism season with Jenna Spychal from Jonamac Orchard and chair of the Illinois Specialty Growers Association.  Highlighting RFD Radio Network affiliate WGFA in Watseka and the station's 65th anniversary with Stacey Smith and Sam Martin.  

Highlighting October Pork Month with Jackie Burgener, Director of Community Relations and Content Development for the Illinois Pork Producers Association.Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Local Government Ryan Tate promotes IFB's rural development grant program.  Student Kelsey Olson previews an open house this weekend at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Introducing the new Executive Director of the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council Corey Lacey.Mike Wilson with Wabash Valley Service Company details an 11 year effort to deliver meals to farmers during harvest season.  Meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather talks heavy rain and severe storm potential this week.  

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra discusses immunization guidance heading into flu season.  Shawn Schukar, President of Ameren Transmission, talks harvest safety involving both overhead and underground power lines.  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.  State FSA Director Bill Graff and Joan Hammann, Chief Program Specialist, discuss ARC and PLC adjustments.  IHSA Friday Friday Friday features Heyworth High School head football coach Scott Godfrey plus Pigskin Pickins' with Jim, DeLoss and Rita.  

USDA Rural Development State Director Jesus Ortega details several projects and programs. Learning about the latest in grain monitoring and grain management technology from Adam Weiss, CEO at OPI.  Jennifer Randolph-Bollinger, Natural Resources Coordinator for Giant City State Park in Jackson County highlights the park's 100th anniversary coming up in 2027.  

Illinois Farm Bureau President Philip Nelson talks a myriad of issues in his regular visit, including diesel and fertilizer prices.  Scott Loyd, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Oral History Manager, highlights the People of Faith collection.   Scott Heiberger, Communications Manager at National Farm Medicine Center, promotes National Farm Safety and Health Month.  

Illinois Corn Marketing Board update from VP Terry Smith of Adams County. "Tomorrow's Leaders Today" segment features University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Collegiate Farm Bureau Chapter and members Alexis Nall, Kayley Gerlach, Aubrey Wall and Avery Pope.Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford reviews September weather data and talks October and November outlooks.