News Releases

Horse bowl winners pose.
State horse bowl builds knowledge, lifelong friendships
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Winners pose.
Youth exhibit skills, gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 11-...
Hippology winners pose.
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Fruits and vegetables with text reading "summer learning institute"
Supporting School Nutrition Professionals with Essential Training
As students prepare to return to school, dedicated school nutrition professionals work diligently behind the scenes—preparing kitchens, planning menus, and placing food orders. These professionals play a vital role in the health and well-being of children, directly influencing childhood...
Three youth standing with food and Ogle County 4-H banner
Ogle County 4-H food drive was a success
OREGON, Ill.— On April 26, 2025, youth across the country marked National 4-H Day of Service by giving back to their communities, and the Ogle County 4-H Ambassadors were no exception. Partnering with the Ogle County...
pink purple and yellow flowers growing
Mother's Day Flower Walk in Genoa
GENOA, Ill. — On Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the day before Mother’s Day, University of Illinois Extension offers guided wildflower walks at the Natural Resource Education Center (NREC) in Russell Woods Forest Preserve. Russell Woods is located one mile west of Genoa on State Route...
Four youth standing with red ribbons
Ogle County youth rank high at state 4-H horse contests
OREGON, Ill. — Ogle County was represented by six local youth who competed in the Northwest Regional Competition for Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking, Horse Bowl, and Hippology earlier this month and were rewarded for their efforts. This was their first time competing in the State 4-H Horse Speaking...
White fuzzy appearing specs that are mealybugs on a houseplant stem.
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
Group of adults and youth standing with shovels on grass
Ogle County 4-H plants trees
OREGON, Ill. - Illinois was once home to 14 million acres of trees, which included a unique ecosystem called an oak savannah. Now, the oak savannah is considered by the Illinois Forest Action Plan to be the most threatened plant community in the Midwest. A savannah is a plant community with...
Spring Break Gardening 2025 with Flowers
Pollinators
Join Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Madelynn Wilharm for a presentation on “Pollinators” on Tuesday, May 20 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $5 fee to attend and pre-registration is requested. To register or for more...
A large agriculture-related dust cloud over a farm field
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023 traffic accident that took the lives of eight...
adult and child working in a garden
Extension celebrates program volunteers
OREGON, Ill. - The Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle County Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers are comprised of trained and dedicated individuals. These individuals come back year after year because they are devoted to giving back to the community, helping and teaching others, making a...
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