News Releases

Feedlot steers
2024 CERTIFIED LIVESTOCK MANAGER TRAINING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop (CLMT) schedule. The series of seven in-person workshops will kick off on January 30 in Springfield and conclude on February 8 in Pittsfield. These workshops...
Illinois 4-H team poses with ribbons and medals.
Illinois 4-H teams make history in Louisville
Louisville, Ky. -- Illinois 4-H had a record-breaking day at the North American International Livestock Exposition. For the first time ever, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H Quiz Bowl. For the second year in a row, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H...
Youth work with a computer and STEM equipment.
4-H members ignite their future leadership path
Decatur, Ill.-- Over 100 seventh and eighth grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2023 space-themed 4-H Junior Leadership Conference held Nov. 4-5 at the Decatur Hotel and Conference Center in Decatur. “This event helps youth from all over Illinois gain a new...
group of youth with adults standing in front of winter gear
Community donations make the Winter Gear Drive a success in Ogle County
OREGON, Ill. – The first “Spread the Warmth: Winter Gear Drive” was successful, thanks to generous donations. Ogle County 4-H and the Oregon Avalanche Softball Organization thoughtfully collaborated throughout the last month to help keep the community warm this winter. Lifeline Food Pantry and...
Youth standing smiling with adult
2023 Ogle County 4-H Achievement celebration winners
OREGON, Ill. - Ogle County’s top 4-H members and clubs were honored for outstanding achievement at a special program held Sunday, November 12, in the Byron Middle School Theatre. Top county honors went to 4-H teens Katy Snow, Oregon, and Lacie Williams, Leaf River. Snow, Blackhawk...
gold trophy on black base
4-H'ers in Ogle County honored for outstadning achievement
OREGON, Ill. - Eighty-nine Ogle County 4-H’ers will be honored for their achievements during the 2023 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...
yellow award ribbon on blue background
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 November 12 at the Byron Jr High School Theatre, the program featured the presentation of numerous awards, including the “County Project Honor Award...
Youth at a table talking to an adult
Successful Ag Career Exploration Fair was held on Nov. 9
OREGON, Ill. –  Over 70 high school students attended the Ag Career Exploration Fair on Nov. 9 in Oregon. Students met with and asked questions to college recruiters and business representatives who focus on studies and careers in the agricultural field. Colleges shared information on the...
beef cattle on pasture
Driftless Region Beef Conference Jan. 25-26
Beef producers from three states invited to attend With nearly 2.5 million cattle in three Midwest states, university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference.  The twelfth annual event...
An orange cat walks near potted house plants at ground level
Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they...
Senior winners pose with banners.
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
Youth lay on the ground and aim rifles
Young marksmen aim for excellence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2023 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8. The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...
adults planting in soil
Registration begins Nov. 6 for online Master Gardener training
OREGON, Ill. — For 48 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to...
group of youth standing in front of black truck
Ogle County 4-H Ambassadors named
OREGON, Ill. - Six Ogle County 4-H members have been selected as Ogle County 4-H Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 4-H year.  They are Immanuel Arellano, Mount Morris; Trent Heller, Dixon; Grant Johnson, Forreston; Lydia Sherburne, Byron; Katy Snow, Oregon; and Molly Ziegler, Oregon. All six...
red and gold ball ornament on a green tree
Healthy holiday charcuterie board workshop being offered
FREEPORT, Ill. - Charcuterie boards are fun to eat and make the perfect appetizer for entertaining. However, traditional charcuterie boards can be packed with sodium, nitrates, saturated fat, and calories. Instead of a traditional board, treat your family and friends to a healthier option this...