Ag in the Classroom meal fundraiser accepting orders
OREGON, Ill. – Do you have someone on your holiday list that is hard to buy for or has everything? Do you want an easy meal for yourself? University of Illinois Extension has the solution for you.
Individually proportioned meals prepared and frozen for your convenience. Two...
Keep growing with herbs indoors this fall, winter
URBANA, Ill. — Just because days are shorter and colder and the outdoor gardening days are over, that doesn't mean growing must come to an end. Indoor green houseplants are an option, so add some herbs to the mix this fall and winter.
Whether growing indoors or outdoors, plants still...
Sharpening knowledge of tree care leads to healthier, better-looking trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our communities, providing many long-term benefits to the public. Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier life.
“Trees improve the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life,”...
Agriculture field day set to explore, address carbon market questions
URBANA, Ill. — The carbon market is an emerging entity and buzzword in the agriculture industry. Every day, different programs are being presented to farmers, landowners, and researchers, creating a lot of questions around carbon and farm operations.
“It is a vital time to bring...
ACES expert: Bats take spotlight during Bat Week
URBANA, Ill. — Bats come out of the shadows during Bat Week, Oct. 24-31, an international awareness campaign that aims to educate the public about bat conservation in the week leading up to Halloween. University of...
Successful Ogle County Farm Stroll was hosted by U of I Extension
OREGON, Ill. – The 2023 Ogle County Farm Stroll took place on Sunday, Oct. 15, with six farms opening their doors to the public. Despite the cooler temperatures, the weather cooperated, allowing the farms to show off what makes them unique and what they offer the community. It was a perfect day...
Grants promote ag literacy for Ogle and Carroll County youth through Agriculture in the Classroom
OREGON, Ill. — The Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) program continues to thrive as a resource for educating Ogle and Carroll county children about agriculture. This week the program received funding to continue classroom lessons thanks to IAA Foundation grants to local county...
2023 Youth Leadership Conference: Discovering the Leader Within You!
ROCKFORD, IL- Have you always wanted to take charge of a fundraiser or committee at your school but weren’t sure how to get started? Is there a need in your community that you really want to assist with? Come and learn how you can get started in leadership right now. There’s a...
Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
URBANA, Ill. — Deer are more active in the fall and drivers should be cautious when traveling after dark. While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down...
Ogle County 4-H is partnering with Oregon Avalanche for winter gear drive
OREGON, Ill. – The cold weather has arrived in Ogle County, and warm coats and accessories are essential for staying warm. Because of this, Ogle County 4-H is partnering with Oregon Avalanche to “Spread the Warmth” during their Winter Gear Drive, from Oct. 18 through Nov. 15. Oregon Avalanche is...
ACES Expert: Nature exposure can ease ADHD symptoms
URBANA, Ill. — As organizations bring attention to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in October for ADHD awareness month, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert says time in nature can ease symptoms of the common...
Have a smashing good time composting Halloween pumpkins
CHICAGO, Ill. — Jack-o’-lanterns live a short, scary life. That is unless they are catapulted, hurled, or whacked into a compost pile after spooky season is over.
Green your Halloween by recycling pumpkins after the holiday at one of more than a dozen University of Illinois...
Stay alert, be prepared for increased risk of farm fires during harvest
URBANA, Ill. — Severe drought and current environmental conditions have the Midwest on alert as fire risks are higher than usual during equipment rollout for corn and soybean harvest. From lack of precipitation to low soil moisture and dry vegetation, these conditions, when paired with hot,...
New committee to drive inclusivity and equity initiatives in Illinois 4-H
Champaign, IL – Illinois 4-H is marking the establishment of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Implementation Committee. This newly formed committee will advise and collaborate in the implementation of DEIA priorities recently identified through a strategic planning...
Learn essential tips for a better aging life experience
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face many changes and challenges, from losing loved ones to declining health and independence. That's why it's essential to give them the meaning they need to live this stage of life with dignity. University of Illinois...
Consider pollinators during fall garden cleanup
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are important to the global food supply and local ecosystems. About 35% of food crops rely on pollinators for production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meaning without pollinators, there would be no food. If you have enjoyed an apple this fall or a...
Competition builds camaraderie, sense of friendly competition
BUNKER HILL, Ill. — The best teenage 4-H shotgun shooters from Illinois gathered to shoot a full 100 rounds of trap shooting at Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill on Sept. 23. A crowd of nearly 250 gathered for this event.
Seventy shooters were on hand for this year’s competition....
Youth put archery skill mastery to the test
PEKIN, Ill. — Illinois youth gathered at a statewide competition on Sept. 16 to put their skill mastery in archery to the test. In addition to skill levels, the competitions focus on building teamwork abilities, camaraderie, and of course fun.
“I know at first it appears odd to have...
Students harvest knowledge about agriculture
OREGON, Ill. - Two hundred eighty-seven Ogle and Carroll County fourth and fifth graders descended upon the Ogle County Fairgrounds on September 7 and 8 to harvest information about modern agriculture and its influences on daily living. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension, Ag...