Ogle County 4-H project exhibits to be showcased
OREGON, Ill. — Approximately 580 4-H project exhibits and 950 project animals will be showcased by Ogle County’s 302 4-H club members in 13 clubs during the 2026 Ogle County Fair, Oregon, July 29 – August 2. 4-H Fairs are held nationally to allow youth the opportunity to exhibit...
Help youth learn about agriculture
OREGON, Ill. — We all eat, but where exactly does the food come from? Youth throughout Ogle and Carroll counties discover the answer to that question through school, library, and park district programs provided by Ag in the Classroom. You can help spread the knowledge by...
Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction set for Aug. 1
OREGON, Ill.— The Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction has been set for Saturday, August 1. It will be held at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 N Limekiln Road 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....
Defining the modern ‘land-grant mission’ at ACES
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign often cites its land-grant legacy, but the land-grant university system is not a well-...
When natural curiosity takes root, Illinois communities thrive
The word “community” is often used to describe both people and nature, and for good reason. Each are groups of individuals sharing a space as they live and grow. It’s in this same spirit of collective...
Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...
New webinar series empowers Illinois communities with trusted health expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever. That’s why educators, researchers, and community partners are collaborating to...
Carmichael directs Polo Lions to Ogle County 4-H Foundation
POLO, Ill.— Each year, the Polo Lions Club partners with the keynote speaker of their annual Farmers’ Night to support youth programming in our area. Daniel Carmichael, an engineer with Blue River Technology and John Deere, was this year’s choice. Carmichael visited the Polo Lions Club and spoke...
How farmers respond to climate-related risk
URBANA, Ill. — As climate change increases the frequency of drought, excessive rainfall, and other extreme weather events, farmers face growing uncertainty about crop production. Understanding how farmers perceive and respond to that uncertainty can help improve agricultural...
ACES Agronomy Days series returns to University of Illinois
With summer just around the corner, Agronomy Days will soon return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The season-long series teaches Illinois growers the latest...
Explore key benefits, challenges of using agricultural drones at Illinois Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — Technology continues to advance and modernize today’s farming practices. Drone use in farming has gained steady traction and interest, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.Attendees can learn more at a field-...
Talking Crop Podcast
The Talking Crop podcast is back for its third season. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Kathryn Seebruck, Talking Crop is a row crop production podcast, with episodes occurring...
Students busy making seed starting projects with the Agriculture in the Classroom program
OREGON, Ill.— Students across Ogle and Carroll counties have been busy making a seed starting project with the Agriculture in the Classroom program. With spring weather arriving and warming the area, now is the perfect time to consider starting a garden and learning about how it can...
4-H Fair Public Speaking Presentations winners
OREGON, Ill.— This year’s 4-H Public Presentations Contest was held Saturday, February 28, at the Oregon Church of God. Thank you to Julie Merdian for sponsoring the Public Presentations award.Top of Class Formal Speech –Beginner (aged 8-13) ........................................
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
Become an Illinois Extension Watershed Steward
DEKALB, Ill.—Every day, rain nourishes fields of growing crops, and rivers steadily flow through natural areas and communities until, eventually, drinking water trickles out of faucets into our homes, schools, and businesses. The health of a watershed is connected to the health of a community,...
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
Get Your Pressure Canner Ready for Canning Season
Freeport, Ill. --As home canning season approaches, ensuring your pressure canner is working properly is an important first step. Dial gauges on pressure canners should be tested each year to confirm they are accurate and operating safely.Only a pressure canner can reach...
