How to grow tropical ginger for at-home spice
URBANA, Ill. — Growing fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the backyard can seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the season, the bountiful, tasty harvest is worth it. The International Herb Association named ginger (Zingiber...
Extension leader brings a wealth of experience to government relations role
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension provides decision-makers with practical, timely, and research-based information, giving leaders the tools they need to strengthen their communities and improve the quality of life in areas throughout...
5% acidity vinegar is key to safe canning
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a long list of home canned foods that use vinegar as an ingredient, including salsa, pickled vegetables, barbeque sauce, and preserved fruits like apple butter and cantaloupe pickles, as well as canned tomatoes as an acidifier. The vinegar increases acidity, thus lowering...
Youth national shooting sports competition empowers youth through self-discipline, goal-setting
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Thirteen Illinois 4-H participants recently showcased their specific shooting skills and sportsmanship at the 2023 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Neb., June 25 through June 30. This long running annual event attracted a record number of 718 youth...
Want more from your garden? Plant a fall crop of cucumbers
URBANA, Ill. — It’s the middle of summer, and you are looking for a new home project. Did you know it is not too late to plant some vegetable plants? With proper care, many vegetables are easy to grow in a sunny location in your backyard or a container garden on a patio. Take the challenge and...
Illinois landowners can support bats with backyard trees, forests
URBANA, Ill. — Fluttering overhead at night, quiet except for their squeaks, bats can be easily overlooked, but these small mammals play a big role in the ecosystem. Bats are also at risk. Illinois is home to 13 species of bats, and more than half of them are listed as endangered, threatened by...
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,...
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...
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...
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-...
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...
Orr Agricultural Center’s field day continues U of I Agronomy Days events
URBANA, Ill. — As summer 2023 marches on, so do the events of Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a season-long series providing practical, research-based information that can improve yield, input management...
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...
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...
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...
Answering the call: Everyday Environment team wins national gold award honors
URBANA, Ill. — Responding to the needs of communities across the state is a priority for University of Illinois Extension. In 2020, the natural resources, environment, and energy team members...
