Next-gen leaders: Illinois 4-H teens selected for national summit delegation
Urbana, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is proud to announce the state’s delegation of 26 teen leaders selected to attend the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, taking place Mar. 25 - 29 in Washington, D.C. This premier national event brings together high school-aged youth from across the...
Driftless Region Beef Conference
The university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference to educate beef producers. The fourteenth annual event will be held Jan. 22-23, 2026, at the Grand River Convention Center in Dubuque. Past participants in...
Annual research-backed training yields results for fruit tree growers
HARDIN, Ill. – Growing fruit on trees is a rewarding experience, but it comes with challenges. From pests and disease to climate stress or soil issues, a single mistake can set back growth. Get current research-based information to help your tree fruits thrive at the Southwestern Illinois Tree...
New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...
Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...
Illinois Extension offers legal series to empower farmers to strengthen, safeguard operations
URBANA, Ill. — In times of uncertainty, protecting your livelihood and assets is essential. Each farm and farm family has a unique experience and specific needs, but the success of Illinois farmers is vital for everyone in our state.“With the converging crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,...
Karen Marsh of Ogle County inducted into 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
OREGON, Ill.— Ogle County 4-H proudly announces that Karen Marsh has been inducted into the 2025 Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame, recognizing her 24 years of exemplary service and dedication to local youth.The Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame honors volunteers who demonstrate outstanding service...
Certified Food Protection Manager Course Offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill. — Dining out is a staple of American life, whether for special occasions or convenience. As more people eat meals prepared outside the home, ensuring food safety and quality is more important than ever.To help protect public health, the Food and Drug Administration (...
Illinois 4-H livestock contest teaches decision making, adaptability
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth demonstrated their livestock knowledge during the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, held Saturday, Nov. 8, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion.Youth ages 8–18 competed in junior, intermediate, and...
Ogle County 4-H members are giving back—join us in making a difference
OREGON, Ill.— This season, Ogle County 4-H is proud to lead a heartfelt community service initiative — and we're inviting YOU to be part of it! Our local 4-H members are collecting donations for three meaningful causes: supporting local food pantries, bringing comfort to pediatric patients...
Ogle County 4-H honors 98 youth with 2025 Experience Awards
OREGON, Ill.— Ninety-eight Ogle County 4-H’ers were honored for their achievements during the 2025 4-H year at club programs this fall. The 4-H Experience Award allows 4-H’ers to be recognized for their work in project learning, participation, community service, and leadership. Three...
Local Ag in the Classroom program accepts donation from CHS Rochelle
OREGON, Ill.— The University of Illinois Extension serving Ogle and Carroll counties has received a generous $1,000 donation from CHS Rochelle to support the Ag in the Classroom (AITC) program. The contribution will help expand agricultural education opportunities for local students and...
Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...
Ogle County 4-H Achievement 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 October 19 at the Pinecrest Grove Theatre, the program featured the presentation of numerous awards, including the “County Project Honor Award.”An...
Give the gift of convenience and support local ag education this holiday season
OREGON, Ill.— Struggling to find the perfect gift for someone who has everything? Looking for a quick and delicious meal solution for yourself during the busy holiday season? University of Illinois Extension has you covered—with a tasty and thoughtful option that also supports local agricultural...
Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethereal bird song floating, flute-like, through the canyon. The hikers identified the singer as a brown-backed solitaire, recognizing...
Master Naturalists connect through community and conservation at annual conference
OGLESBY, Ill. — Of all the state parks in Illinois, Starved Rock has the most visitors, and this October, it also welcomed University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists to explore and learn together. Against a backdrop of migrating pelicans floating in the Illinois River at the base of...
