RFD Illinois

Matt Kaye reports on Midwest lawmakers being hopeful for a more permanent ‘fix’ for the summertime gap in E15 sales, after the administration approved an emergency waiver just for this summer. Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert talks with Rita Frazer about summertime E15 on the federal level & also looks at the state legislation and budget news that spells good news for agriculture and Illinois Director of Ag Jerry Costello explains the focus on Earth Day activities at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds last Friday. DeLoss Jahnke talks with David Widmar, Ag Economic Insights, are comparisons to the 1980s getting closer? Jim Taylor has the early morning markets and weather.

Mark Gebhards Exec. Director Gov't Affairs and Commodities visits with Rita Frazer on legislative issues. DeLoss Jahnke visits with Chad Colby, Colby Ag Tech, on when planting starts in earnest, could breakdowns put pressure on the Supply Chain? Steve Bridge shares a state house report. Jim Taylor has the early morning markets and weather.

Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello talks about the recently passed IDOA Budget and reminders for spring planting season. Interest rate talk as they 30-year mortgage is the highest since 2010! Matt Kaye reports on Farmer Groups concern regarding the Environmental Policy Act and the affect it may have on infrastructure projects. Brian Burke, John Stewart and Associates on the market.

RFD Correspondent Matt Kaye reports on food vs. fuel myths that surfaced after President Biden approved an emergency waiver for summertime sales of 15-percent ethanol-blended gasoline. Rita Frazer visits with Dale Shumaker, Pulaski-Alexander SWCD and VP Illinois Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts talks about the state-wide tree planting initiative during Earth Week. Susan Head, Head Brothers Cattle talk about her IBA membership and cattle industry connections. DeLoss Jahnke has Inflation talk and shares a conversation with Matt Witte, Bloomington Meats and a Cropwatcher update. Jim Taylor has the early morning markets and weather.

Commodity groups are starting to focus on the next farm bill, as Congress’ two Ag Committees hold or gear up for hearings on the next five-year farm policy bill. Items like crop insurance, ARC, PLC, and livestock disease prevention will be discussed. Colleen Callahan Director IDNR talks funds for her department allocated in the state budget, the most generous in 20 years
Jim Taylor Farm Week Crop Watcher report from St. Clair County. DeLoss Jahnke has NASS Numbers and shares a Kent Casson report. Jim Taylor has the early morning markets.

President Biden’s infrastructure adviser expects the FCC to make significant progress this year on critical broadband mapping to pinpoint rural areas of greatest need. RFD Washington correspondent Matt Kaye reports. Mitch Landrieu says the FCC hit roadblocks early, but is now making headway on service maps needed to best target $65-billion Congress approved for rural broadband. Rollin Head- Head Brothers Farms Macon County talks about their grain and cattle farm in Macon County. Whitney Munin, AgriGold, discusses the need to scout this year and also tax talk on this April 18. Plus overnight markets and ag weather from Freese-Notis meteorologist Dan Hicks.

The Good Friday edition features Illinois Farm Bureau Executive Director of Governmental Affairs and Commodities Mark Gebhards discussing the spring legislative session. We also talk Easter ham and getting the most for your food dollar. The show also features a weekly Springfield report from Steve Bridge from affiliate WFMB. Plus we provide early morning markets and ag weather from Freese-Notis Meteorologist Dan Hicks.

Matt Kaye talks with Renewable Fuels Association Head Geoff Cooper about President Biden’s decision to allow summertime E15 sales on an emergency basis. Jennifer Tirey Exec Director Illinois Pork Producers talks about the spring fly-in to D.C. for IPPA. Illinois Corn Growers Vice President Matt Rush responds to the E15 announcement. Barry Fischer, Fulton County Farm Bureau President talks Easter lambs.

Matt Kaye reports on the ethanol industry’s response to President Biden’s announcement in Iowa that his administration will restore summertime sales of E15 this summer. Illinois Farm Bureau reaction to the Biden decision to permit summertime sales of E15. Rodney Knittel Assistant Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Illinois Farm Bureau talks about safety for the upcoming planting season. Market talk with Angie Setzer, CONSUS ROI.
Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Brian Duncan talks about H2A workers from El Salvador.

Matt Kaye Reports on the US pork industry facing key challenges in production and trade, amid the war in Ukraine, the pandemic and Biden Administration resistance to new free trade deals. Jim Taylor talks with FarmWeek Crop Watcher Marshall Newhouse in Boone County. Madison County farmer Tim Mize also reports on the slow start to the 2022 planting season. DeLoss covers crop numbers, Kent Casson provides an update from Livingston and northern McLean County. Nick Hausen WSIL Meteorologist on temps staying cool.