News Releases

emmit shows orienteering skills
Youth champions named in 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge
Urbana, Ill. - The 2023 4-H Outdoor Skills Challenge took youth into the great outdoors as they showcased their expertise and engaged in outdoor adventures throughout the spring and summer. The curriculum-based challenge invited young nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature,...
red lights on a wheel
Help youth learn about agriculture at county fair
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 assisting at the...
people smiling
Ogle County 4-H Foundation and Stan Eden Scholarship winners
OREGON, Ill. – The Ogle County 4-H Foundation offers college scholarships to 4-H members who are planning to pursue or are already engaged in further education beyond high school. Any area of study may be pursued whether that is at a college or vocational...
girl in cowboy hat with horse
Local 4-H youth win awards at horse show
OREGON, Ill. - This year's multi-county 4-H horse show was held at Amber Sun Acres in Malta on Saturday, July 8. This is the sixth year that Ogle and DeKalb counties held a combined show. Sixteen 4-H members competed in the show. Results are listed below. Champion Junior Showmanship-...
Two raised bed gardens on top of asphalt lot.
Elevate your expectations with raised bed gardening
URBANA, Ill. — Whether for convenience or accessibility, raised beds are a popular option for growing fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. Raised bed structures elevate the soil, and with it comes a variety of advantages for growing plants.  Using raised beds may allow...
black brown and white dog face
Awards given to local youth at multi-county 4-H dog show
  OREGON, Ill. - This year’s multi-county 4-H dog show was held on Saturday, June 24 at Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon.  This is the sixth year that Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside counties have...
Kaden Lingbeck with cat
Ogle County 4-H Fair cat show award winners
OREGON, Ill. - This year’s Ogle County 4-H cat show was held at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon on Monday, June 26. Cats are judged on their physical condition, cleanliness and presentation, temperament, appearance, good health, alertness, and graceful movement. 4-H’ers receive ratings...
person holding black and orange butterfly
Explore the magical world of butterflies!
OREGON, Ill. - Does your child enjoy the outdoors and learning about the natural world? The Junior Master Naturalist program is the perfect way for your 9-12 year old to explore and discover the wonders nature. University of Illinois Extension staff and volunteers in Ogle County will provide...
A variety of pollinator-friendly perennial flowers of various colors, sizes, and shapes.
Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy.  Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different...
three horses with a purple overlay
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. – In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
horse looking on field
Youth test their knowledge of horse health and more in state contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
senior and junior winners pose with banners
Livestock judging helps youth develop areas of expertise
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed...
Silhouette of a woman and a horse
Youth gain persuasive speaking skills in equine contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 22...