News Releases

lady putting food in microwave
Making Homemade Meals in the Microwave
More and more people are dining out less because it is a healthier option and allows you to stretch your food dollars. If you are spending more time in the kitchen and are looking for quick and easy ways to prepare meals but do not have much time to cook, consider microwave cooking. Microwave...
cracking an egg in a frying pan
Eggs: From Farm to Fork | Healthy Cooking at Home
Curious about what it takes for an egg to make it from the farm to your kitchen table? Have you ever wondered about the difference between free-range and free-roaming eggs? If so, then we have the class for you! Years ago, shopping for eggs was much more straightforward. The...
Two people talking, about to shake hands in a wheat field.
Considerations when hiring a farm manager
URBANA, Ill. — Managing a farm is a big job. From determining cash rent to planning the next planting or calving season, a farm manager can be an experienced asset to help when making decisions about a farm. Guessing around decision-making can cost farmers thousands in potential revenues that...
tornado over hay field
Is Your Family Prepared for a Natural Disaster?
Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid airmasses from the Gulf of Mexico have collided with the cooler, dryer air from Canada, resulting in unstable atmospheric conditions. Although thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen anytime...
Text "Rain Garden Rumble" with illustrations of native plants
Root for your favorite native plant in Rain Garden Rumble playoff
URBANA, Ill. — It’s plant versus plant in the return of the Rain Garden Rumble that pits native flowers against each other in a friendly competition to take home the 2024 title. This March, get to know 28 plants native to Illinois by building a bracket and voting for your favorites in the annual...
plastic containers on a counter
Ogle County Agriculture in the Classroom taking orders for meal fundraiser
OREGON, Ill.- An Agriculture in the Classroom program fundraiser is underway. Have you been searching for a way to make dinner preparation simple? We have an excellent opportunity for you to take a night off from cooking. This is also a great gift idea as well.  Order 10 delicious meals...
frozen vegetables in freezer
How to freeze produce for maximum freshness
Spring is right around the corner, and summer gardens will be bursting with produce in no time. You can enjoy your summer flavors year-round by preserving your fresh produce now. Home food preservation continues to be a favorite by many. And by knowing and understanding a few basics, you can...
Tri-State Logo
Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference to be held in Freeport
Make plans to attend the Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference scheduled for March 2, 2024, in Freeport, Illinois, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master...
lilac bush advertising gardening workshop
Exciting Gardening Workshop Returns to Dixon: Ready…Set…Grow…
DIXON, Ill. — Calling all gardening enthusiasts! University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are thrilled to announce the return of Ready…Set…Grow…, an engaging gardening workshop set to take place on March 23, 2024, at the Loveland Community House in Dixon. This year,...
A hand saw cutting into a branch to prune it at the proper location
Cutting back branches leaves trees with healthier outlook
URBANA, Ill. — To stay healthy, sometimes trees need a little help in the form of a trim. Pruning is an essential maintenance activity to promote tree health, safety, and aesthetics. Since trees are large, long-living plants in our landscape, pruning throughout the life of a tree can have a...