DeLoss Jahnke: Media Award Recipient

November 30, 2020
A man in a red shirt is sitting at a table in front of an illinois corn growers association sign.

The Illinois Corn Growers Association’s 2020 Excellence in Media Award was given to DeLoss Jahnke, Network & Audio Services Anchor/Editor at RFD Illinois, at the virtual ICGA Annual Meeting today. The award is given each year to an individual who promotes Illinois agriculture and, specifically, Illinois corn and corn farmers, through their coverage in traditional media or through their engagement on social media.

 

“DeLoss is an important and valuable member of the Illinois ag media community,” said Bill Leigh, ICGA President and Minonk, IL farmer. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with him to share the work we’re doing for corn farmers in Illinois as well as opportunities for them to get more involved in the effort to support farm families.”

Jahnke holds a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and a master’s degree from Butler University. He has worked in the ag media field since 1997, including time at the National FFA Organization and at WMBD/WIRL prior to his RFD employment.

 

He grew up on a five-generation crop and livestock farm and shares his passion and love for farmers and farming in every broadcast.

 

“I feel comfortable when DeLoss interviews me. I know he’s a friend of agriculture and he will portray our issues with insight and professionalism. He has a quiet, confident presence that makes conversations flow and calms listeners. DeLoss is an asset to our industry and I’m very happy to honor his work with this award,” said Leigh.

Sarah Hastings, Melinda Fourez, Sen. Chapin Rose, Mark Degler, Steve Fourez, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 16, 2026
Illinois farmers came to the state capitol this week to draw attention to the poor farm economy as the planting season begins. Farmers met with their representatives and key legislators
thumbnail of  Phillips
By Tara Desmond April 16, 2026
Illinois Fair Queen Krista Phillips shares how her role goes beyond the crown connecting communities and advocating for agriculture statewide.
Ashley, Lindsay and Laura in DC
By Lindsay Croke April 16, 2026
Lindsay Croke is the IL Corn Director of Communications and Marketing today, but she’s served many roles over her 20+ years at IL Corn and brings a lot of historical perspective of IL Corn’s work and goals to IL Corn TV show as a host. We sat down with Lindsay to figure out how she landed at IL Corn, what the work here has meant to her and to our industry, and why she sticks around.
Steve Koeller, Justin Moore, Shane Gray, Rep. Katie Stuart, Chad Dillenberger, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 8, 2026
Representative Katie Stuart and Illinois farmers visited NCERC for a tour, to learn about its expansion plans, and interview Illinois farmers
thumbnail from farmdoc webinar
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Researchers reveal most farmers operate from a single, highly consistent production plan and change it far less often than conservation advisors typically assume.
thumbnail of different videos
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Catch up on IL Corn’s top stories and videos from Q1 2026, featuring farmers, yields, policy updates, and must-see moments from the field.
Show More