News Releases

Ogle County 4-H Achievment Day winners named
OREGON, Ill.-  Ogle County 4-H’ers were recognized for excellence in 4-H project work at the recent county 4-H Achievement Celebration.  Held November 13 at the Byron Jr High School Theatre, the program featured the presentation of numerous awards, including the “County Project Honor...
Holiday freezer meal fundraiser to benefit Ag in the Classroom program
For Immediate Release OREGON, Ill. – Ag in the Classroom offers freezer meals for the holiday season. There is still time to order your meal sets by Dec. 1, so don’t let this opportunity pass you up. These would make great gifts for the hard to buy for loved ones on your holiday list or...
Group of people standing.
2022 4-H Achievement celebration winners
For Immediate Release   OREGON, Ill.- Ogle County’s top 4-H members and clubs were honored for outstanding achievement at a special program held Sunday, November 13, in the Byron Middle School Theatre.       ...
Group of youth standing in front of table.
Over 250 attend Ag Career Exploration Fair last week
For Immediate Release   OREGON, Ill. – The successful Ag Career Exploration Fair on Nov. 17 allowed high school students to network with colleges and employers in attendance. Colleges shared information on the many majors in agriculture and what it takes to...
cow in pasture
Local study highlights connection between grassland birds and grazing land
ELIZABETH, Ill.-Wildlife studies have noted significant declines in midwestern grassland songbirds over the last few decades. The research found the decline correlated with reductions in grazing and hay fields in the region. Research has found that many midwestern grassland birds need grass of...
pumpkins and mums near wagon
Holiday favorite gourd is good to go for 2022
Few of us stop to wonder how that slice of pumpkin pie made it onto our plate, but if it weren't for the Illinois pumpkin industry and plant pathologist and Extension specialist Mohammad Babadoost, the classic fall...
allen barton, professor Human Development and Family Studies Illinois
Study shows the power of 'thank you' for couples
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Gratitude has been a trendy sentiment in recent years – sparking an industry of journals, knickknacks, and T-shirts touting thankfulness as a positive force in individuals’ lives. New research suggests that gratitude from one’s partner may be a powerful tool for couples...
ice on trees
Protect trees from winter’s wrath with a few preventive steps
URBANA, Ill. – Winter is hard on trees. Wind, ice, and cold temperatures can harm trees through sunscald, branch-breaking ice loads, or winter burn on evergreens. Taking preventative measures in the fall can help minimize winter injury to trees in the landscape. Boxwood, arborvitae, and...
4-H logo
Illinois 4-H staff honored with national service awards
MADISON, Wis. – Three University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development staff recently received national recognition from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP). Amy Henschen, Shelby Carlson, and Myla...
Eastern (top) and Western (bottom) Banded Killifish. The Eastern subspecies may be edging out the Western fish in its native range.
Illinois report says native fish overlooked as invaders in U.S. waters
URBANA, Ill. – Rivers split across mountaintops and other geographic barriers may flow only a few miles from one another, but to the aquatic creatures in those waters, the separation could represent millions of years of evolutionary time. So, when an angler or a curious child moves a fish from...
Fundraiser to benefit Ag in the Classroom will make holiday shopping easy
OREGON, Ill. – Do you have someone on your holiday list that is hard to buy for or has everything? Do you want an easy meal for yourself?  University of Illinois Extension has the solution for you. Individually proportioned meals prepared and frozen for convenience. Two sets of the...
young people looking at book
Teens take on new challenges as statewide healthy living ambassadors
URBANA, Ill. – Nine Illinois teens stand ready to take on new challenges as they begin their work on the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador (HLA) team. The HLA team is comprised of 4-H members ages 13-19 who were chosen for their ability to lead, mentor, and teach in order to inspire others...
apples
No matter how you slice them, apples are a fall favorite
URBANA, Ill. – Brisk, fall weather brings crowds of Illinoisans to apple orchards to enjoy the crisp, juicy flavor of their favorite in-season apples.  “Whether fried, dipped in peanut butter or caramel, made into cider, or baked into a pie, apples are a delicious, sweet treat...