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...
Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
URBANA, Ill. — The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits’ appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium,...
Wisconsin Hosting Stockmanship & Stewardship Event
Join us for the Stockmanship & Stewardship workshop on August 28 and 29 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Held in the heart of the driftless region, known for its’ rolling hills, fertile soils and abundant pastures. This will be an action-packed two days featuring a...
Explore cutting-edge agricultural technology with I-FARM Learning Series
URBANA, Ill. — Identifying on-farm needs to increase efficiency, safety, practicality, and overall profitability is where ideas for adapting technology begin. From there, advancing technology for productivity and sustainability seems to be more within reach in a changing agricultural landscape....
Explore commercial pumpkin production at Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — As Illinois ranks number one in both pumpkin production and processing, it provides a great opportunity to bring together growers, producers, and those who love talking pumpkins.University of Illinois Extension can help kick off...
Field day provides diverse avenues to resiliency, sustainability in agriculture
URBANA, Ill. — As the agriculture industry has grown and evolved over the centuries, numerous environmental and societal factors have constantly challenged its resilience. Today is no different. To achieve sustainable agricultural operations, farmers must continue to adopt new technologies and...
4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction at Ogle County Fairgrounds Aug. 3
OREGON, Ill. - The Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction has been set for Saturday, August 3rd. It will be held at the Ogle County Fair at the fairgrounds 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!The...
Bring birds close to home by gardening for feathered friends
URBANA, Ill. — People plant gardens for food, flowers, and function, but planting for the birds can be beautiful and beneficial to the environment. What if instead of storebought bird seed in a feeder, gardens could include a buffet of different foods for birds while also being a beautiful...
Picking the best tomato
It’s tomato season, and tomatoes are making their appearance in backyard gardens and at the local farmer's markets. Tomatoes are versatile and found in countless entrees, side dishes, condiments, and beverages. If you are interested in learning more about which varieties of tomatoes work well in...
Ogle County 4-H project exhibits to be showcased
OREGON, Ill. - Approximately 580 4-H project exhibits and 1,000 project animals will be showcased by Ogle County’s 284 4-H club members in 13 clubs during the 2024 Ogle County Fair, Oregon, July 31 – August 4. 4-H Fairs are held nationally to allow youth the opportunity to exhibit...
Ogle County Carefree 4-H Club has a busy summer
OREGON, Ill. - The Carefree 4-H Club in Ogle County had a busy May and June. Members met on May 13 at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon. There was a discussion about taking a field trip to Merlin's Greenhouse to learn about plants and be able to take one home. The club's Program Junior...
New online agriculture course grows skills in identifying corn, soybean field insects
URBANA, Ill. — One thing is for sure, if there is a farm field, insects will visit it. Having the skills to identify insects inhabiting crop fields across the Midwest improves one’s ability to identify and effectively manage insect pests while avoiding unnecessary interventions that may...
Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address...
Attend field day to learn how agrivoltaics boosts energy, resiliency in food production
URBANA, Ill. — Continuing to feed a growing world is the agriculture industry's future, and the demand for sustainability is here. One avenue of exploration includes agrivoltaics or solar energy within production agriculture.“The relatively recent idea combines solar panels for...
