News Releases

person wearing blood pressure cuff to have blood pressure checked
Illinois AgrAbility will host health, safety tent at 2023 Farm Progress Show
DECATUR, Ill. — Illinois AgrAbility will host a health and safety tent at the Farm Progress Show, Aug. 29-31 in Decatur. The aim is to provide health and safety resources to farmers and the agricultural community, as well as access to free health screenings and services. Health and Safety by...
brown pig
Master Showmanship Contest held at Ogle County 4-H Fair
The 2023 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Gwendolyn Hall of Monroe Center! The runner up was Cooper Alderks, Chana. Other senior participants ages 14 – 18 included Boone Alderks, Chana; Ayden Alderks, Monroe Center; Max Thurow, Stillman Valley; Robbie Thurow, Stillman Valley; and...
Institute participants pose in front of an idea board
Institute inspires youth change agents
BETHESDA, Md. — Six exceptional leaders from Illinois were selected to attend the National 4-H True Leaders in Equity Institute held July 10-13. This event aimed to empower and equip youth to become catalysts for change within the Cooperative Extension System. The 2023 delegation...
A variety of dried and pressed flowers.
Make flowers and memories last forever with drying for design
URBANA, Ill. — A great way to enjoy flowers with family and friends is to harvest and preserve them. The popularity of dried and pressed flowers has turned an old hobby into a renewed interior design and art trend. Who has not pressed that lucky four-leaf clover between a couple of pages of a...
People standing with big check
Ogle County 4-H Foundation receives $3,000 donation from CHS Rochelle
OREGON, Ill. –    Ogle County 4-H Foundation accepted a $3,000 donation made to the 4-H program from CHS Rochelle, a global agribusiness cooperative owned by farmers and local cooperatives across the United States. CHS supports programs to highlight an emphasis on...
Green plants in degradable pots sitting in the soil ready to be planted.
Master Gardener program offers online training options
URBANA, Ill. — For 48 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow....
People bending and working in soil with plants
U of I Extension Master Gardeners online training offered
Are you ready to take your love of gardening to the next level? University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners will be offering a self-paced online training course this fall starting on Monday, Oct. 2. Whether you want to better your gardening knowledge or become an Illinois Extension Master...
wooden gavel on white surface
Ogle County annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction set for August 5
OREGON, Ill. - The Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction has been set for Saturday August 5. It will be held at the Ogle County Fair at the fairgrounds in Oregon, IL.  The 4-H Auction Committee invites the public to support 4-H project work by bidding on a quality 4-H animal. The...
Girl with glasses and green shirt
4-H project exhibits to be showcased
OREGON, Ill. - Approximately 685 4-H project exhibits and 767 animal exhibits will be showcased by Ogle County’s 300 4-H club members in 12 clubs during the 2023 Ogle County Fair, Oregon, August 2-6.  4-H Fairs are held nationally to allow youth the opportunity to exhibit projects that...
Girl standing above rabbits in a pen
2023 Ogle County Fair schedule
OREGON, Ill. - The 2023 Ogle County 4-H Fair will be held in conjunction with the 170th Ogle County Fair in Oregon, IL.  The fair will be open to the public from August 2-6.  Visit the 4-H Fair to see local 4-H club members in action with their animals and experience the wide array of displays...
People standing with big check
Local Ag in the Classroom program accepts donation from CHS Rochelle
OREGON, Ill. –    University of Illinois Extension serving Ogle and Carroll counties accepted a $2,300 donation made to the Ag in the Classroom program from CHS Rochelle. Melinda Colbert, AITC Program Coordinator, was on hand to accept the check at the presentation. This program provides free...
Ginger rhizome
How to grow tropical ginger for at-home spice
URBANA, Ill. — Growing fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the backyard can seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the season, the bountiful, tasty harvest is worth it. The International Herb Association named ginger (Zingiber officinale) the...
Canned pickles
5% acidity vinegar is key to safe canning
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a long list of home canned foods that use vinegar as an ingredient, including salsa, pickled vegetables, barbeque sauce, and preserved fruits like apple butter and cantaloupe pickles, as well as canned tomatoes as an acidifier. The vinegar increases acidity, thus lowering...