Youth handlers shine at 2025 4-H state dog show
Bloomington, Ill. -- The 2025 Illinois 4-H Dog Show was held on Oct. 4 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Sixty-six 4-H members represented their home counties across Illinois in 118 individual runs made in partnership with their canine companion. Members who received a qualifying score at...
Last Chance to Register: Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
ROCKFORD, Ill. Whether dining out for a special occasion or grabbing a quick meal on the go, people expect food that is not only high-quality but also safe. This expectation often guides where and what they choose to eat. In response, restaurants are responsible for upholding strict food safety...
Start selecting 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Sale bulls
URBANA, Ill. — Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale. The IPT Bull Sale is the leadoff event for the annual Illinois Beef Expo in...
Spotting the Invaders: Fall Workshop on Managing Woody Invasive Plants
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Autumn brings us many gifts: cooler weather, fall traditions, changing leaves, and the perfect opportunity to manage invasives. As leaves fall and many plants go dormant, woody invasives stand out as still green and growing, making them stick out like a sore thumb. When we can...
Ogle County Farm Stroll returns October 12 with a fresh lineup of local farms
OREGON, Ill.— The beloved Ogle County Farm Stroll is back for another year of hands-on agricultural adventure and local flavor. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and prepare to explore the heart of rural Illinois.This free, self-guided tour of...
Dual Extension program to teach rainscaping practices in Sycamore
SYCAMORE, Ill.— Naturalists and gardeners, homeowners, conservation organizations, stormwater professionals, and landscape consultants are examples of those who can learn how landscape design and management practices reduce pollution from stormwater runoff at a workshop hosted by University of...
Youth sharpen their skills at 2025 Illinois 4-H shooting sports state competitions
Jacksonville, IL — The 2025 Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports State Competitions wrapped up this September, bringing together top youth marksmen from across the state in a series of events that showcased precision, skill, and sportsmanship. Held annually in late August and throughout September, the...
Ogle County 4-H joins national celebration of leadership, learning, and service
OREGON, Ill.— From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Ogle County are proving they’re not just ready for the future, they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, 2025, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with...
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...
Students harvest knowledge about agriculture at Ag Awareness Days
OREGON, Ill.— On September 4 and 5, 446 Ogle and Carroll County fourth and fifth-graders gathered for the 23rd annual Ag Awareness Days at the Ogle County Fairgrounds to learn about modern agriculture and its influences on daily living. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Ag Awareness...
Drought is intensifying across Illinois
An extremely dry end to summer and start to fall has intensified the ongoing drought in central and southern Illinois and increased the fire and blowing dust risk as we approach harvest, according to Illinois State Climatologist...
Celebrate food safety month by exploring Extension resources
URBANA, Ill. — September marks National Food Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe food handling practices across all food system sectors, from farm to table. Whether people grow, process, sell, donate, or consume food, everyone has a role in reducing...
Explore diverse farms during the Ogle County Farm Stroll on Oct. 12
OREGON, Ill.— On Sunday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the University of Illinois Extension will host the annual Ogle County Farm Stroll, a self-guided driving tour of highly diversified family farms open to the public on one big day. There will be farm tours, demonstrations, and fresh...
