News Releases

a field of straw and cover crops
Farmers share how to keep your soil on your fields
EFFINGHAM, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This August, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil...
Take steps to address climate change at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. — It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the impacts of climate change. While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. Learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community in a...
A tree buried by grade change during construction causing a hole around it.
Protect trees and their roots during construction projects
URBANA, Ill. — While essential for development, construction projects often damage trees and their intricate root systems. Even the beautiful trees that are sitting on a site and desired to be kept following construction can become damaged and later experience decline....
round bales in a field
Stored Forages to be discussed at Workshop
Livestock managers and owners are invited to join U of I Extension for a Storing Forages: Balancing Cost and Performance workshop on Thursday, September 19.   U of I Extension Livestock Specialist Dr Teresa Steckler will be the featured speaker.  The workshop...
children running in field
Youth Naturalist Program offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill.--Learn about nature at Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists), a fun interactive program for youth ages 4-7. Youth will learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty will...
sheep and goats
Sheep and Goat Workshop Offered
Small ruminant feeding, nutrition, and managementFREEPORT, Ill.---Sheep and goats are a popular choice for youth and adults.  Small ruminants are a good place for anyone to enter the livestock business on small...
Two split images with a person researching in a greenhouse on left and orange pumpkin on right.
Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
URBANA, Ill. — The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits’ appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium,...
cattle grazing in field
Wisconsin Hosting Stockmanship & Stewardship Event
Join us for the Stockmanship & Stewardship workshop on August 28 and 29 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Held in the heart of the driftless region, known for its’ rolling hills, fertile soils and abundant pastures. This will be an action-packed two days featuring a...
A person flying a drone above a herd of beef cattle standing in a pasture for grazing management.
Explore cutting-edge agricultural technology with I-FARM Learning Series
URBANA, Ill. — Identifying on-farm needs to increase efficiency, safety, practicality, and overall profitability is where ideas for adapting technology begin. From there, advancing technology for productivity and sustainability seems to be more within reach in a changing agricultural landscape....
A pile of specialty decor pumpkins of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Explore commercial pumpkin production at Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — As Illinois ranks number one in both pumpkin production and processing, it provides a great opportunity to bring together growers, producers, and those who love talking pumpkins.University of Illinois Extension can help kick off...
brown swine walking in dirt
4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction at Ogle County Fairgrounds Aug. 3
OREGON, Ill. - The Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction has been set for Saturday, August 3rd. 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...
Yellow and grey Cedar waxwing bird in an evergreen.
Bring birds close to home by gardening for feathered friends
URBANA, Ill. — People plant gardens for food, flowers, and function, but planting for the birds can be beautiful and beneficial to the environment. What if instead of storebought bird seed in a feeder, gardens could include a buffet of different foods for birds while also being a beautiful...
on the left side, a photo of a variety of tomatoes in a variety of colors. on the right a basket full of various fresh vegetables from a garden
Picking the best tomato
It’s tomato season, and tomatoes are making their appearance in backyard gardens and at the local farmer's markets. Tomatoes are versatile and found in countless entrees, side dishes, condiments, and beverages. If you are interested in learning more about which varieties of tomatoes work well in...
Girl in pink with sheep
Ogle County 4-H project exhibits to be showcased
OREGON, Ill. - Approximately 580 4-H project exhibits and 1,000 project animals will be showcased by Ogle County’s 284 4-H club members in 13 clubs during the 2024 Ogle County Fair, Oregon, July 31 – August 4.  4-H Fairs are held nationally to allow youth the opportunity to exhibit...
three green four leaf clovers
Ogle County Carefree 4-H Club has a busy summer
OREGON, Ill. - The Carefree 4-H Club in Ogle County had a busy May and June. Members met on May 13 at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon. There was a discussion about taking a field trip to Merlin's Greenhouse to learn about plants and be able to take one home. The club's Program Junior...