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-...
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...
Orr Agricultural Center’s field day continues U of I Agronomy Days events
URBANA, Ill. — As summer 2023 marches on, so do the events of Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a season-long series providing practical, research-based information that can improve yield, input management...
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...
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...
Explore the magical world of butterflies!
OREGON, Ill. - Does your child enjoy the outdoors and learning about the natural world? The Junior Master Naturalist program is the perfect way for your 9-12 year old to explore and discover the wonders nature. University of Illinois Extension staff and volunteers in Ogle County will provide...
Answering the call: Everyday Environment team wins national gold award honors
URBANA, Ill. — Responding to the needs of communities across the state is a priority for University of Illinois Extension. In 2020, the natural resources, environment, and energy team members...
Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy.
Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different...
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...
Youth test their knowledge of horse health and more in state 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. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Livestock judging helps youth develop areas of expertise
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed...
Youth gain persuasive speaking skills in equine 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 22...
Illinois AgrAbility ready to serve farmers across the state
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers have always been the backbone of America. The state of Illinois includes 72,650 farms that cumulatively harvest over 27 million acres and are operated by 118,000 producers. The work involved is not only the farmer’s livelihood but rather their way of life.
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New University of Illinois Extension Educator builds connections and community for local youth
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H strives to unlock the potential in every young person, helping them to dream, plan, design, build, and achieve. Around the state, University of Illinois Extension staff encourage and guide the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs through 4-H...
Partnership and perseverance end food desert in Illinois’ southernmost city
CAIRO, Ill. — Illinois’ southernmost city, Cairo, is home to just over 1,700 people, and for the past seven years, those residents have been without a local grocery store, greatly limiting access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food. On Friday, June 16, that all changed.
The new...
