RFD Illinois

Market recap from the week before and an outlook for the week ahead. DeLoss Jahnke visits with the 2021 Master Showmanship winner, Lizzie Schafer from Christian County. Lack of rural broadband and the efforts to fill in the gaps with Congressional Funding from Rural Broadband Association CEO Shirley Bloomfield. Rita visits with Shelby County Farm Bureau Manager Madison Bruns and COUNTRY Financial Representative Jake Hankins. They talk about events and activities that they partner with.

Mark Tuttle from DeKalb County talks about the series of storms that hit the northern part of Illinois the first half of the week and the damage to crops and property. Steve Bridge reports on the Illinois State Fair, including the COVID-19 mitigation plans. Ben Kasch with Bower Trading recaps the WASDE report. DeLoss Jahnke meets with Justin Rahn from Carroll County, IL and IBA Board Member on Consumer Trust.

Mark Gebhards gives a review of the Infrastructure Bills – Real and Human - that were passed in the Senate and what the next steps are. DeLoss Jahnke reports from the NCBA Meeting. Kevin Good, Vice President for Industry Relations with CattleFax, on optimism in the cattle market based on the 2021-2022 CattleFax Industry Outlook.

Matt Kaye reports on the Budget Bill and tying immigration reform to that bill for passage.
Kris Reynolds, Midwest Regional Director for the American Farmland Trust, on their participation in the conservation partners tent at the upcoming Farm Progress Show. Coverage of the Senate Infrastructure Bill passage and what is included. Merrill Crowley, First Choice Commodities shared market insight ahead of the WASDE Report on Thursday. Information on the Mississippi North Central Watershed listening sessions from Anna Robinson, Mercer County Conservation District.

Matt Kaye reports on the final hours of the Senate Infrastructure Bill debate, and the hurdles it will have to overcome once it moves to the house. Update from Illinois Pork Producers Executive Director Jennifer Tirey on IPPA’s plans for the Illinois State Fair. Crop Conditions and Crop watcher report from Dave Hankammer in St. Clair County and Kent Casson in Livingston County. Weather and Markets.

Matt Kaye reports on federal broadband grants and how to improve the process. Plans for the Illinois State Fair, including mask requirements is reviewed. Kelly Estes shares information on the spotted lanternfly. DeLoss Jahnke provides market information ahead of the WASDE report and Heather Hampton-Knodle talks about the upcoming state fair experience.

Matt Kaye reports on the confirmation hearing of USDA Under secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment nominee Homer Wilkes. Steve Bridge reports on the state mandate regarding masks for schools and other facilities in addition to the need for those eligible to get vaccinated. Jenny Ring, Illinois Pork Producers shares information on the Illinois State Fair Pork Patio.
Popcorn with Andrew Bowman in Knox County. His company, Pilot Knob Comforts, is investigating options for delivering and packaging their product. Brad Clow, COUNTRY Crop Claims Manager, on the claims process and what you should do if there is uncertainty.

Matt Kaye reports on efforts to make Trump era navigable waters rules permanent. Rita Frazer meets with a Madison County Fair Board Member who shares the story of a 4-Her with a health issue and how the community rallied to support her during the livestock auction. Market conversation with Brian Chastain, MarketWise Ag Services. Tasha Bunting shares information on the HACCP program and other programs available for livestock processing facilities. Markets and Weather.

Matt Kaye reports on the Senate Infrastructure Bill and Purdue Ag Economist Jim Mintert shares findings from the July Ag Barometer. Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Brian Duncan comments on California Prop 12 and what that means to Livestock Producers across the nation.

Coverage of the Infrastructure Bill from Matt Kaye and Congressional Quarterly's Ellyn Furguson. Weather and Crop conditions from the USDA and Crop Watchers from across the state.