WILL COUNTY, Ill. (RFD-TV) — Corn harvest is well underway across the U.S., with 18 percent of the nation’s crop now in the bin—just one point shy of the five-year average. In Illinois, farmers are pushing forward with harvesting through favorable weather, hoping to capitalize on strong early yields despite ongoing cost pressures.
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share a boots-on-the-ground update.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Kestel discussed the progress of his own operation and compared this year’s progress to previous harvest seasons. He also shared what he’s hearing from other producers in the region, highlighting both successes and challenges so far.
Among the concerns are high input costs, lower commodity prices, and the potential for storage capacity and shipping issues as larger-than-expected yields are harvested.
Kestel wrapped up by giving viewers a look at his family’s farm and the traditions that keep them going through another busy harvest season.
The North Carolina Farm Bureau highlights the work being done on Sound Mind Farms, a farm producing hemp to make sustainable fabrics.
September 12, 2025 11:50 AM
·
U.S. producers are holding off on equipment investments amid financial pressure, market uncertainty, a rising demand for diesel, and growing desperation for trade wins.
September 12, 2025 11:18 AM
·
Dirt Diaries is where women in agriculture pull back the curtain and get real. The latest episode features Zoe Kent, known online as Farm with Zoe!
September 11, 2025 10:24 AM
·
The Arkansas Farm Bureau takes us there for a tour of the facility that will expand livestock education in a key agricultural region.
September 10, 2025 03:24 PM
·
The Cotton Jassid previously detected in Georgia has now made its way to the Lone Star State.
September 10, 2025 03:17 PM
·
With new renewable volume obligations announced this year, the Iowa Soybean Association says they’ll be vital to a farmer’s bottom line.
September 10, 2025 01:19 PM
·
The September WASDE report comes out on Friday at Noon ET. As always, we’ll bring you those numbers right here on Market Day Report along with our expert
September 10, 2025 11:44 AM
·
Let’s take a look at harvest progress as of early September 2025, across all 50 U.S. States, prepared by Market Day Report anchor and RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James.
September 09, 2025 05:02 PM
·
Pressure to lower gas prices across the Golden State could be the saving grace of this year’s corn harvest. California may soon be the final U.S. state to approve E-15 sales.
September 09, 2025 11:12 AM
·
