RFD Illinois

Good Friday show features latest devlopment on the WOTUS issue in Washington plus updates on Farm Bill and USDA appropriations. We also hear about Tillamook Creamery purchasing a former Prairie Farms Dairy plant in Decatur. Profit Watch Energy takes a look at new uses for soybeans with reaction from the United Soybean Board. The show wraps up with markets and ag weather.

John Spangler, Fulton County Board Chair, reports on storm damage and clean up efforts from Tuesday night’s storm. State Climatologist Trent Ford on the severe weather so far this year. Matt Kaye reports on Staffing and technology at USDA offices remaining a big concern for producers and Ag lawmakers. Jennifer Tirey Executive Director Illinois Pork Producers just back from their annual spring legislative fly-in to Washington D.C.

A report from Washington on staffing and technology concerns at USDA offices. Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello on telling the story of agriculture as part of the appropriations process. Jim Mintert, Purdue University on the March Ag Barometer.Early morning markets and weather.

Don Meyer, Illinois Farm Bureau District 4 director on storm damage on his farm in Lee County. Eric Schmidt EJS Weather on what’s coming. Matt Kaye reports on Ag lawmakers pressing USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to use his department’s influence with EPA to preserve use of essential crop protection chemicals. Dr. Paul Walker President Illinois Beef Association talks about IBA’s youth and young leader focus and the upcoming annual meeting.

Recap of Friday’s late afternoon storm system. USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Torres-Small on funds provided in the metro east area for emergency services. Joe Camp, Commstock Investments, comments on report day.

Success story of the Allies in Agriculture Program in Cook County.and Lt. Governor Julianna Stratton on grocery store infrastructure in Cairo, IL. Matt Kaye report on disagreements on Farm Bill Titles vs. Regulations during a house ag appropriations hearing. Steve Bridge provides news on state issues and early markets and weather.

Coverage from the Illinois Ag Legislative Day with commentary from IFB President Rich Guebert and House Ag & Conservation Committee Member Charlie Meier from Okawville. Aaron Maher, Rumboldt & Kuhn and Scott Sims, Western Grain Marketing, on local and distant markets for IL corn. Early morning markets and weather.

Matt Kaye reports on contention over food stamp funding during the latest House Ag farm bill hearing. Mark Gebhards Executive Director Governmental Affairs & Commodities, Illinois Farm Bureau talks about the IFB state teamwork in Springfield and success in ag group partnerships on bills like SB 170. Rich Guebert, President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, looking forward to coming together today in Springfield for Ag Legislative day at the Illinois State Capitol. Parkland College’s new partnership with AGCO. Recap of a DTN piece on corn yield averages across the country where 6 out of the top 10 came from Illinois. Preview of reports being released the later part of the week.

RFD Washington Correspondent Matt Kaye Reports on NCBA's anti-WOTUS reaction to a Texas federal court’s decision allowing the Biden rule to take effect in 48 states and dismisses EPA’s defense of the rule’s timing. Illinois Farm Bureau's Mark Gebhards also talks about the court activity surrounding WOTUS and the continued work on behalf of Illinois farmers.Crop progress and condition report along with weather news. David Kohl from Land Values Conference on lending during inflation and low commodity prices.

President Biden’s trade policies, including on agriculture, came under fire at a Senate Finance hearing. RFD Washington correspondent Matt Kaye reports. Getting to Know your Illinois Soybean Association Board, Steve Pitstick is in his second year as Chairman of the Board. Charlyn Fargo, SIU Med School talks stretching your food dollar through spring cleaning. Allison Preston previews an upcoming piece in this week’s FarmWeek.