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Announcements and Highlights

Annie's Project: Empowering women in agriculture

Annie's Project is a six-week discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. There's plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with your presenters and fellow participants. It's a relaxed, fun, and dynamic way to learn, grow, and meet other farm women.

Joint initiatives address food desert in southern Illinois

In a 16-county region of Southern Illinois stifled by a food desert, access to nutritious options was no longer an option but a pressing necessity. The collaboration of the University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed and Community Economic Development teams led to the formation of the Southern Illinois Food Access Project to address food insecurity in the state's southernmost region.

Sustainable Living Series

Join us on March 28 at the White County Illinois Extension office for a live canning demonstration to help you get started on your canning journey. We will also discuss different types of canning, canning safety, and what can be canned. Before and after the program, you will have an opportunity to get your pressure canner tested.

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

The Dixon Springs Agricultural Center was established in 1934 near Simpson in Pope County. It is the largest experiment station of its kind east of the Mississippi River. DSAC links the laboratories and classrooms of University of Illinois and the USDA with the farms in Southern Illinois. Researchers at DSAC coordinate their programs to meet the needs of area farmers.

Learn more about Dixon Springs Ag Center and information about ongoing Ag research in Southern Illinois here: https://extension.illinois.edu/dsac

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

Events

Root Awakening: Spring Tree Tips

March 4, 2025

Where Will You Garden?

March 4, 2025

Growing Minds: Understanding and Supporting Children's Executive Function

March 5, 2025

Seed and Plant Choices, Soils, and Fertilizers

March 11, 2025

More Events

News Releases

February 28, 2025

Celebrate spring with the return of the Rain Garden Rumble native plant playoff
URBANA, Ill. — What’s a little friendly competition between plants? The annual Rain Garden Rumble returns this spring, giving nature and gardening enthusiasts a chance to root for their favorite native plants...

A person leaning over to use garden snips to cut off a section of the houseplant for propagation.

February 24, 2025

From one to many: A beginner's guide to plant propagation
URBANA, Ill. — Many indoor gardeners quickly discover that one houseplant is rarely enough. What begins as an admiration for a charming or unique plant often evolves into a strong desire, or even a need, to fill every corner of a home or office with lush greenery. A simple and cost-effective way...

Someone filling a glass of water at the kitchen sink

February 20, 2025

Tap into Illinois water resources, actions to take at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. —  With the quick twist of a handle, water is easily available whenever we need it for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, and yard work. But do you know where your water comes from?Water is a vital resource that affects everyone. This spring, learn more about how...

February 13, 2025

Online weight loss program is effective way to reach rural populations, study shows
URBANA, Ill. — People living in rural areas are at greater risk for obesity than the general population, and they often have limited access to healthy, affordable food, physical activity facilities, public transportation, and healthcare institutions. Weight loss interventions are more successful...

A man pours sap from a metal pot to another container outside

February 11, 2025

Maple syrup season is a short, sweet window of opportunity for tapping into trees
SIMPSON, Ill. — Maple syrup is a one-ingredient food. Only one thing goes into making it: the sap of maple trees collected in early spring. Every year in late January, the University of Illinois Extension...

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Programs We Offer

Local Foods and Small Farms