News Releases

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...
Growing cucumber on vine in the garden.
Want more from your garden? Plant a fall crop of cucumbers
URBANA, Ill. — It’s the middle of summer, and you are looking for a new home project. Did you know it is not too late to plant some vegetable plants? With proper care, many vegetables are easy to grow in a sunny location in your backyard or a container garden on a patio. Take the challenge and...
An Indiana Bat with a metal band on its wing
Illinois landowners can support bats with backyard trees, forests
URBANA, Ill. — Fluttering overhead at night, quiet except for their squeaks, bats can be easily overlooked, but these small mammals play a big role in the ecosystem. Bats are also at risk. Illinois is home to 13 species of bats, and more than half of them are listed as endangered, threatened by...
emmit shows orienteering skills
Youth champions named in 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge
Urbana, Ill. - The 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge took youth into the great outdoors as they showcased their expertise and engaged in outdoor adventures throughout the spring and summer. The curriculum-based challenge invited young nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature,...
red lights on a wheel
Help youth learn about agriculture at county fair
We all eat but where exactly does the food come from?  Youth throughout Ogle and Carroll counties discover the answer to that question through school, library, and park district programs provided by Ag in the Classroom.   You can help spread the knowledge by assisting at the Ogle County...
people smiling
Ogle County 4-H Foundation and Stan Eden Scholarship winners
OREGON, Ill. – The Ogle County 4-H Foundation offers college scholarships to 4-H members who are planning to pursue or are already engaged in further education beyond high school. Any area of study may be pursued whether that is at a college or vocational institution.  ...
girl in cowboy hat with horse
Local 4-H youth win awards at horse show
OREGON, Ill. - This year's multi-county 4-H horse show was held at Amber Sun Acres in Malta on Saturday, July 8. This is the sixth year that Ogle and DeKalb counties held a combined show. Sixteen 4-H members competed in the show. Results are listed below. Champion Junior Showmanship-...
Two raised bed gardens on top of asphalt lot.
Elevate your expectations with raised bed gardening
URBANA, Ill. — Whether for convenience or accessibility, raised beds are a popular option for growing fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. Raised bed structures elevate the soil, and with it comes a variety of advantages for growing plants.  Using raised beds may allow gardening in...
black brown and white dog face
Awards given to local youth at multi-county 4-H dog show
  OREGON, Ill. - This year’s multi-county 4-H dog show was held on Saturday, June 24 at Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon.  This is the sixth year that Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties have participated in the...
Kaden Lingbeck with cat
Ogle County 4-H Fair cat show award winners
OREGON, Ill. - This year’s Ogle County 4-H cat show was held at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon on Monday, June 26. Cats are judged on their physical condition, cleanliness and presentation, temperament, appearance, good health, alertness, and graceful movement. 4-H’ers receive ratings...