Ogle County Farm Stroll set for Oct. 13
OREGON, Ill. - Have you ever wanted to see a beekeeper in action? Or pick your own apples and berries? Join us for this free, family-friendly event that will satisfy your local food cravings and curiosity!On Sunday, October 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the University of Illinois Extension...
Extension empowers rural communities transition to sustainable energy sources with new program
URBANA, Ill. — Power is so readily available, literally at the flick of a switch, that it is all too easy to forget how this valuable resource arrives in our homes and businesses and where it comes from. Energy demands are increasing across Illinois, and communities have difficult...
Grow forest management skills in Southern Illinois course for landowners
SIMPSON, Ill. — To understand tree and forest care often requires getting to the root of the matter. The Beginning Forest Landowner Program is returning in 2024-25 to help more Illinois forest owners learn how to manage...
Investment in communications furthers the Illinois Extension mission
URBANA, Ill. — Effective communication is a cornerstone of University of Illinois Extension’s ability to transfer the latest research and best practices to the residents of the state. In this critical pursuit of improving lives and livelihoods throughout Illinois, Extension relies on myriad...
Apple orchards opening in Northern Illinois
The end of August in Northern Illinois marks the opening of many of the apple orchards in our region. These orchards grow a wide-range of unique and common apple varieties, with new varieties ripening each week from now until the end of October. At many of these family-owned and operated...
Selecting, storing, and using winter squash
Winter squash is one of the fall's most popular and tasty vegetables. Winter squash encompasses a variety of squash, such as Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, Hubbard, Sweet Dumpling, and Spaghetti squash. If you want to learn how to make your everyday squash go from ordinary to extraordinary, Join...
Master Showmanship Contest held at Ogle County 4-H Fair
OREGON, Ill. - The 2024 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Cooper Alderks from Carefree 4-H Club! The runner-up was Gwen Hall of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. Other senior participants ages 14 – 18 included Ayden Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Boone Alderks, Carefree 4-H Club; Max Thurow,...
Freezer meal fundraiser to benefit local Ag in the Classroom program
OREGON, Ill. - Meals made easy and for a great cause! Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? We have a great opportunity for you to take a night off from cooking. This is also a great gift idea as well. Order ten delicious meals that have been...
Extraordinary Ogle County 4-H volunteer recognized
OREGON, Ill. - Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on over 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Annette Martin was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for her selfless dedication to the University of Illinois Extension 4-...
Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024...
2024 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Skillathon winners announced
Springfield, IL – The 2024 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest was held on Aug. 7 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Forty-three 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. This is a three-phase competition challenging the young 4-H member...
Are you part of a non-profit org that serves food? This class is for you!
Selling and serving food remains a popular fundraising activity for many community groups. If you belong to a service club, church group, youth group, special interest club, or any non-profit organization, chances are good that you sell food. Any time your group sells food, it is essential to...
Ogle County 2024 4-H Fair announces Livestock Project winners
OREGON, Ill. - The Ogle County 4-H Fair was held July 31 - August 4, 2024, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, where 689 4-H livestock exhibits were judged on and showcased by Ogle County's 284 4-H members in 13 clubs. 4-H fairs are held nationally to allow youth to exhibit a...
Ogle County 2024 4-H Fair announces General Project winners
OREGON, Ill. - The Ogle County 4-H Fair was held July 31 - August 4, 2024, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, where 446 4-H project exhibits were judged on and showcased by Ogle County's 284 4-H members in 13 clubs. 4-H fairs are held nationally to allow youth to exhibit a...
Illinois Farm Business Farm Management celebrates 100 years and announces new CEO
URBANA, Ill. — A program operating within the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that assists farmers with financial management and decision-making welcomes a new CEO this August, while also celebrating a monumental milestone in their history....
Green infrastructure flood prevention training is a natural solution for natural disasters
URBANA, Ill. — When floods happen, communities are forever changed. University of Illinois Extension is rising to meet the challenge by developing a program that trains municipalities how to maintain nature-based solutions that supplement their stormwater infrastructure. Floods are...
Plant a row for the hungry campaign in full swing
Zillions of zucchinis, tons of tomatoes, and cartloads of carrots are just examples of the produce that can be donated to Plant a Row (PAR) for the Hungry. Plant a Row provides a much-needed outlet for vegetable gardeners to donate their over-abundance of produce, which helps to meet the...
