Driftless Region Beef Conference Jan. 25-26
Beef producers from three states invited to attend
With nearly 2.5 million cattle in three Midwest states, university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference. The twelfth annual event...
Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they...
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
Young marksmen aim for excellence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2023 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8.
The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...
Registration begins Nov. 6 for online Master Gardener training
OREGON, Ill. — For 48 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to...
Ag Career Exploration Fair is Nov. 9 giving opportunities for college and career
OREGON, Ill. – Agriculture is everywhere, technology is advancing, and research says there is a high demand for graduates with a degree. Are you still wondering if this field of study is right for you? Come to the fair and find answers to your questions. There will be several...
Ogle County 4-H Ambassadors named
OREGON, Ill. - Six Ogle County 4-H members have been selected as Ogle County 4-H Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 4-H year. They are Immanuel Arellano, Mount Morris; Trent Heller, Dixon; Grant Johnson, Forreston; Lydia Sherburne, Byron; Katy Snow, Oregon; and Molly Ziegler, Oregon. All six...
Healthy holiday charcuterie board workshop being offered
FREEPORT, Ill. - Charcuterie boards are fun to eat and make the perfect appetizer for entertaining. However, traditional charcuterie boards can be packed with sodium, nitrates, saturated fat, and calories. Instead of a traditional board, treat your family and friends to a healthier option this...
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...