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...
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...
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....
Illinois Extension offers caregiver self- care program at Lee County Council on Aging
We all know someone who is providing care for someone else. It is a rewarding experience for most, but caregivers experience many difficult emotions and losses along their journey. This free workshop offered by University of Illinois Extension will focus on coping with the...
Empowering Tomorrow: Innovative youth education programs offered in Lee County
In the dynamic landscape of education, fostering a passion for learning among youth is paramount for their personal and intellectual growth. Recognizing the importance of providing diverse and engaging opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings, 4-H is thrilled to announce two...
Get outside, get learning at fall 2024 Illinois Master Naturalist conference
URBANA, Ill. — The very nature of nature is that it is always changing. Seasons come and go, birds flit in and out of view, and water ebbs and flows constantly moving downstream. Master Naturalist volunteers are invited to stay up to date on nature’s news by attending the...
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...
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 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...
