RFD Illinois

Adam Nielsen, Illinois Farm Bureau, provides a recap of the Leader’s to Washington program that was held last week. Matt Kaye reports on the tax implications of the Build Back Better proposal including commentary from AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Rita visits with newly retired Harry Cooney, who earned his CDL and is working for area farmers, to get a report from the cab.

Mark Gebhards, Illinois Farm Bureau provided a report on National Issues. The Leaders to Washington program returned and Mark gave a summary of what they experienced. Items covered were protecting IFB tax policy yet finding a way to pay for the infrastructure package. Mark covered rising fertilizer prices and the issues behind them. Ethan Hopkins from GROWMARK talked about fertilizer cost and availability. Steve Bridge provided a State Recap for the week, highlighting the economic development grants rolled out.

Matt Kaye reports on the Stop Gap Funding Bill and the potential impact to agriculture disaster funding. Harvest and energy prices with Scott Wilson, GROWMARK energy. DeLoss visits with Scott Meyer, Ursa Co-op on river issues and Jeff Kaeb, Grainland Co-op on yield results in Central Illinois.

Rita checks in with TJ Curtin in Macon County for an update on harvest. Amy Rademaker, Farm Safety and Health Coordinator from Carle health, provides reminders for a safe harvest.
Gary Tretter, Somerset Farm near Murphysboro, talks about difficulty to get livestock to the local processor. Mark Slagel, Slagel Manufacturing in Strawn, IL, on high steel prices but demand is still high.

Matt Kaye reports on the Ag Labor reform and the role it plays in the human infrastructure package. Cliff Schuette from Clinton County talks about his involvement in his local soil and water conservation district and the success conservation programs has played on his farm and for others in his area. Crop progress and conditions report for Ag Statistics. Jeff Guilander, Cropwatcher from Jersey County provides a report. Affiliate Broadcaster Kent Cassan provides a crop report from Livingston County.

Matt Kaye reports on the Build Back Better Plan Budget discussion in the House, and movement to re-establish programs that were cut in initial conversations. Travis Mateer, University of Illinois Extension Beef Specialist, talks about grazing on cornstalks. Total Grain Marketing, Illini FS, South Central FS and Wabash Valley Service Co has acquired grain assets from The Andersons.
Dan Grant shares a View from the Cab with Cook County Farm Bureau President Janet McCabe.
Dr. Elizabeth Yeager, Kansas State Economist talks with DeLoss about what to do with additional revenue this year.

Mark Gebhards provides a report on Federal Infrastructure bills and the Budget Reconciliation Process. Mike Wilson, Wabash Valley FS talks what to look for when harvesting the 2021 crop for the 2022 crop. Jenny Webb, Member Engagement Manager shares information about tailgating opportunities at the ag colleges this weekend.

The use of biofuels for aviation needs and if tax credits would qualify is debated in Congressional hearings. Raelynn Parmely discusses the Certified Crop Advisor of the year nomination process. Rita Frazer talks about the cover and alternative crop field day on the Schetter Farm in Jersey County. DeLoss Jahnke provides a crop conditions report from Moultrie County and market talk with Mike Zuzolo, Global Commodity Analytics.

Matt Kaye reports on the Ways and Means Committee plan to fund the human infrastructure bill. Rodney Knittel talks with Rita Frazer about transportation issues important during harvest. Curt Strubhar, advance trading, talks about early harvest numbers and the potential impact to the markets. Jeff Broom, Broom Orchard, shares the specialty crop growing season reason in southwestern Illinois.

Matt Kaye reports on the House Ag Committee’s action on the ag portion of the social Infrastructure Bill. Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau Director of State Legislation, reports on the passage of the Energy Bill in the Illinois Senate and what the impact could be on private property rights. Crop progress and conditions summary with a harvest progress report from Kent Cassan in Livingston County. Keith Ehnle, Agronomist with Becks Hybrids shares thoughts on late season nitrogen and what producers should be looking for as they harvest.