Picking the best tomato
It’s tomato season, and tomatoes are making their appearance in backyard gardens and at the local farmer's markets. Tomatoes are versatile and found in countless entrees, side dishes, condiments, and beverages. If you are interested in learning more about which varieties of tomatoes work well in...
Ogle County 4-H project exhibits to be showcased
OREGON, Ill. - Approximately 580 4-H project exhibits and 1,000 project animals will be showcased by Ogle County’s 284 4-H club members in 13 clubs during the 2024 Ogle County Fair, Oregon, July 31 – August 4. 4-H Fairs are held nationally to allow youth the opportunity to exhibit...
Ogle County Carefree 4-H Club has a busy summer
OREGON, Ill. - The Carefree 4-H Club in Ogle County had a busy May and June. Members met on May 13 at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon. There was a discussion about taking a field trip to Merlin's Greenhouse to learn about plants and be able to take one home. The club's Program Junior...
New online agriculture course grows skills in identifying corn, soybean field insects
URBANA, Ill. — One thing is for sure, if there is a farm field, insects will visit it. Having the skills to identify insects inhabiting crop fields across the Midwest improves one’s ability to identify and effectively manage insect pests while avoiding unnecessary interventions that may...
Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address...
Attend field day to learn how agrivoltaics boosts energy, resiliency in food production
URBANA, Ill. — Continuing to feed a growing world is the agriculture industry's future, and the demand for sustainability is here. One avenue of exploration includes agrivoltaics or solar energy within production agriculture.“The relatively recent idea combines solar panels for...
Head Start staff invited to learn about BMI measurement, communication best practices
URBANA, Ill. — Every year, Head Start programs collect children’s body mass index data and communicate results to families to address childhood obesity in enrolled children. In a recently published research article, Head Start staff across the country shared that there is a lack of guidance on...
Tips for getting landscape plants through summer
URBANA, Ill. — While much of the work done in the garden happens in the spring, that doesn’t mean growers can coast through summer. Supplemental watering, weeding, and managing pests will go a long way to keep landscapes growing through the summer.WaterAs the...
Take steps to reduce exposure to PFAS chemicals
URBANA, Ill. — PFAS are chemicals commonly found in consumer goods that are making their way into drinking water supplies where they are a risk to human health, but there are steps people can take to protect themselves.PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of more than 15...
Extension offering brain exercise classes in Ogle County
OREGON, Ill. -Engage in interactive activities designed to enhance cognitive function and memory in Wits Fitness Brain Exercises offered by University of Illinois Extension. The monthly classes are held at two locations in Ogle County, Hub City Senior Center in Rochelle and Rock River Center,...
Extension summer programming offered in Rochelle
ROCHELLE, Ill. - Illinois Extension offers free programming at the Hub City Senior Center in Rochelle this summer. The first workshop will be held on July 24 from 1-2 pm. Kara Schweitzer, University of Illinois Extension Educator, dives into aging and the many changes that happen along the way...
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Americans love dining out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is a part of our lives. With an ever-growing number of individuals eating out, it is more important than ever to ensure consumers have exceptional, high-quality food and safe food.The...
To survive the summer heat, choose plants built for the sizzle
URBANA, Ill. — Summer can be a scorcher, but by selecting the right plants, a landscape can still look sultry all summer long.Both trialed and native plants can tolerate the heat. Trial plants are evaluated throughout the season for heat tolerance and can be planted in the ground or...
AgrAbility provides more resources, expands chronic disease webinar series through summer
URBANA, Ill. — Experiencing symptoms from chronic disease is a daily and often private occurrence for many. Illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease, bipolar disorder, or other chronic long-term conditions can cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety,...
Take care of your trees with summer Forestry Stewardship Series
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has 4.8 million acres of tree-covered land. From shading homes and feeding wildlife to producing oxygen and filtering water, trees do a lot of heavy lifting. Give them a hand by discovering innovative, research-based management options in the summer Forestry...
Emerald ash borer continues spread through Illinois; Extension can help manage
URBANA, Ill. — While much of Illinois has been focused on the emergence of periodical cicadas in the summer of 2024, another insect is buzzing about that is more than a nuisance; it’s a threat to ash trees everywhere. In June, the...
Summer presentations continue for Ogle Carroll Ag Literacy Coordinator
OREGON, Ill. - Agriculture in the Classroom is a statewide educational program with lessons offered to Kindergarten through 8th grade. Its goal is to help students, teachers, and the public gain greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society. The program is presented at...
Provide resources to pollinators in any space with container gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Supporting pollinators has become increasingly important as concerns over pollinator population decline are more evident. The good news is that even small spaces can provide resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Container gardens are one solution for...
