RFD Today September 17, 2026

University of Illinois Professor of Soil Science Andrew Margenot discusses his work with the Illinois Nutrient Research & Education Council.  Morgan Lewis with Western Community Public Transportation discusses rural transit.  

An update on the spotted lanternfly from State Ag Pest Survey Coordinator Kelly Estes. Wrapping up the 2026 Illinois county fair season with Jeff Rabenort from the Okawville Wheat Festival.Monthly visit with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.  

An update on the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation Class of 2027.  Kurt Maertens with BASF discusses crop protection products during the Farm Progress Show earlier this month. DTN Weather Risk Communicator Teresa Wells says northern Illinois is forecast to receive heavy rain this week while southern Illinois will experience heat.   

Monthly update from Don Schaefer with Mid-West Truckers Association.  Bob Eschbach with the Ottawa Center for the Arts details historic preservation efforts at two former church buildings.  Highlighting Illinois Farm Bureau Actively Engaged Student of the Month for September, Adalyn Solomonson from El Paso Gridley High School. Joe Camp at CommStock Investments previews a new market week. 

State and federal updates with Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Commodities Kevin Semlow in his "Seven with Kevin" segment.  Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello talks harvest season and upcoming grain tours.IHSA Friday Friday Friday features El Paso Gridley head football coach Tanner Benedict plus Pigskin Pickins' with Jim, Rita and DeLoss.  

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza discusses prevailing wage laws in Illinois.Monica Nyman with the St. Louis District Dairy Council details the nutritional benefits and recipe versatility for cottage cheese.  Illinois Farm Bureau Associate Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rodney Knittel provides information on harvest permits.   

Lisa Ellis from the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance promotes the Illinois wine industry.  Monthly visit with licensed professional counselor Rachel Brown.Kevin Daugherty with Illinois Ag in the Classroom discusses AITC's presence at the Illinois State Fair and highlights a new academic year.  

Talking propane supply and demand with Michael Newland with the Propane Education and Research Council.  "Tomorrow's Leaders Today" segment with Kenzie Holste from Stephenson County.  Tim Birkel from Wyffels Hybrids details his Director of Marketing role.  Breaking down the rest of September weather with meteorologist Paul Otto with Freese-Notis Weather. 

Learning about the process of being placed on the National Register of Historic Places from Quinn Adamowski from Landmarks Illinois and Alison Costanzo from the Lombard Historical Society.From last week's Farm Progress Show, Justin Moritz, North American Soybean Trait Launch Manager for BASF. Previewing a new market week with Joe Camp from CommStock Investments. 

Talking rural development with USDA Rural Development State Director Jesus Ortega and USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith. IHSA Friday Friday Friday segment features Riverdale High School football coach Guy Dierikx plus Pigskin Pickins' with DeLoss, Jim and RFD Radio content coordinator Collin Schopp. https://www.spreaker.com/episode/rfd-today-september-04-2026--74900451