News Releases

yellow award ribbon on blue background
Ogle County 4-H Achievement Day winners named
OREGON, Ill. - Ogle County 4-H’ers were recognized for excellence in 4-H project work at the recent county 4-H Achievement Celebration.  Held November 12 at the Byron Jr High School Theatre, the program featured the presentation of numerous awards, including the “County Project Honor Award.”...
Youth at a table talking to an adult
Successful Ag Career Exploration Fair was held on Nov. 9
OREGON, Ill. –  Over 70 high school students attended the Ag Career Exploration Fair on Nov. 9 in Oregon. Students met with and asked questions to college recruiters and business representatives who focus on studies and careers in the agricultural field. Colleges shared information on the many...
beef cattle on pasture
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 will be...
An orange cat walks near potted house plants at ground level
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...
Senior winners pose with banners.
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...
Youth lay on the ground and aim rifles
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...
adults planting in soil
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 grow....
group of youth standing in front of black truck
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 have...
red and gold ball ornament on a green tree
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...
Tupperware containers with food in them
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 sets of the...
Miscellaneous herbs growing in a wooden container.
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...
Up close on brown tree bark with text overlay reading Community Tree Care.
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,”...
Person bent down on one knee checking soil in a no-till farm field.
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...
A gloved hand holds open a bat wing up to the light
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 Illinois Urbana...
hairy cow with horns laying down in a barn
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...