Tucked among the corn and soybean fields in DeWitt County, visitors can find a place to slow down, connect and breathe in the simple joys of life.
It’s the vision of Mariah and Greg Anderson, first-generation farmers in Clinton.
They began their farming adventure growing 300 mums and have expanded over the years to add strawberries, produce, pumpkins, donuts, flowers – and much more.
RFD Radio’s Rita Frazer sat down with the Andersons to learn about their farming journey, the challenges they have faced and their hope for visitors.

More about the farm:
mariahsmums.com
16727 Airport Road, Clinton, IL 617278
Phone: 217-627-MUMS (6867)

Who represents farmers in the food supply chain?
What battles are being fought?
In this episode, RFD Radio’s Rita Frazer joins Jenny Webb, Illinois Farm Bureau’s associate director of industry affairs, and Jill Brokaw, an Illinois farmer and ag industry sustainability expert, to discuss how they help bridge the gap between manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and farmers.

In the latest episode of Taking Stalk, we dig into two farmer favorites: markets and the weather.

Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien's principal atmospheric scientist, and Joe Camp, director of managed programs at CommStock Investments, join Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan to discuss how the weather and markets are affecting the 2025 growing season.

Plus, learn about the signficance of the Fourth of July holiday.

Tim Stuenkel ’s sisters, Julie and Jill, light up when talking about their smart, fun, lovable, younger brother.
They miss him so much.
Nearing the three-year anniversary of his death, his sisters courageously share the story of finding Tim after he chose to end his life at the age of 44. They also share the pain, regret and guilt they carry.
“It’s hard on the people left behind. You think about the years of suffering that we didn’t know he was going through this,” Jill said. “You don’t want anyone to go through that kind of pain, and feel so alone and isolated, and like they have no other choices.”
We hope you listen, share this episode with others, and go check on your friends and neighbors. 

Editor’s Note: This is raw, emotional and descriptive, especially around the 21-minute mark. Listener discretion is advised.  

Resources are available:
ilfb.org/resources/farmer-rural-resources/mental-health-wellness/

Farm Family Resource Initiative Helpline: 1-833-FarmSOS or 1-833-327-6767  (serves farm families across the entire state of Illinois)

From the Duncan Farm in Ogle County, British Consul General Richard Hyde talks about the importance of trade with the United States. “The message we’re giving to the administration over and over again is ‘We’re your friends. We want to trade with you. Completely get why you’re doing what you’re doing. But let’s talk about how do we make it as easy as possible to do business with the United States.’”

The farm visit and podcast recording came just days before President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starme announced a trade deal between the two countries.

Hyde and Illinois Farm Bureau’s Brian Duncan and Evan Hultine also discussed the challenges facing farmers in both countries, consumer sentiment and the role of technology on the farm.  

Hyde represents the United Kingdom in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

How do you start the farm transition conversation? What’s standing in your way? “The reason people are so hesitant is because they’re afraid,” says Elaine Froese, an award-winning author and farm family transition coach. “What are they afraid of? They’re afraid of conflict because people might want different things.” Don’t miss this important episode as RFD Radio’s Rita Frazer brings together Froese, IFB President Brian Duncan and Vice President Evan Hultine.

More resources available online, elainefroese.com

Most farmers aren’t good at talking about their mental health or asking for help. But a farmer’s well-being – and that of the entire farm family – depends on it. “We’re almost inherently supposed to be stoics as farmers, and never let on, or never let it show,” said Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Evan Hultine. “But the more we talk about this ... the more accepting we, as individuals are becoming at being able to comfortably say, ‘You know, it’s tough right now. This is hard.’” 

Don’t miss this important episode as RFD Radio’s Rita Frazer brings together Vice President Hultine, Rachel Brown, a certified licensed counselor, and Donna Gallivan, IFB conference and program manager.

They’re stuffed in doors and mailboxes throughout Illinois’ countryside – offers to lease farmland to install wind turbines and solar panels. What should farmers do with them? In this important episode, Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan asks IFB’s staff experts about what members can do to protect their families, farms and legacies. Bill Bodine, IFB director of business and regulatory affairs, Laura Harmon, associate counsel, and Garrett Thalgott, assistant general counsel, offer valuable insight into the renewable energy industry and steps farmers should consider before signing a contract.

Illinois State Trooper Rodger Goines has responded to numerous heartbreaking crashes involving youth and ATVs and UTVs -- and he’s pleading to Illinois residents, parents and farm families to take steps to prevent them. Why are ATV crashes on the rise? What can be done? Trooper Goines and RFD Radio’s Rita Frazer tackle this important issue affecting rural communities throughout the country.  




University of Nebraska Medical Center: https://www.unmc.edu/publichealth/cscash/resources/resources-atv-utv-safety.html
National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Youth: Youth guidelines offer parents recommendations for assessing whether their child is ready to operate a UTV or ATV based on physical and emotional abilities: https://cultivatesafety.org/safety-guidelines-search/?category=familyyouth

Jenny Ring, Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau, and Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Evan Hultine share their Farm Bureau stories, memories and thoughts on the intangible benefits of an IFB membership. “You just build this network of people that you can connect with on a deeper level because you’re going through the same things,” Ring said. “It’s also the continued leadership opportunities and personal development.”