University of Illinois Extension's new strategic plan.

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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.

Lessons for Living 2025

University of Illinois Extension offers the Lessons for Living 2025 webinar series, designed to empower adults of all ages with practical wisdom and actionable insights for leading a vibrant and meaningful life. Learn more about this webinar series and register to attend!

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

2025 Driftless Region Beef Conference

January 23, 2025 - January 24, 2025

4-H Junior Livestock Conference

January 25, 2025 - January 26, 2025

Southeastern Agronomy Summit

January 28, 2025

Planting and Improper Practices

January 29, 2025

More Events

News Releases

Water flooding and rushing through a drainage system in a farm field.

January 14, 2025

Explore integrated water management with Illinois Extension workshop
URBANA, Ill. — In times of changing environmental conditions, unmanaged drainage water with a lack of soil conservation practices can impact farm profitability and sustainability of agricultural operations. Understanding management options starts with knowing what’s happening out in the fields...

Groups of young pigs standing in multiple pens with slatted floors in confinement house.

January 14, 2025

Registration open for 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training in-person sessions
URBANA, Ill. — The importance of livestock's health, overall well-being, and safety is the responsibility of producers and all who care for the animals daily. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals...

A woman stands in a grassy field holding a long blade of grass

January 13, 2025

Can one person make a difference on environmental issues?
Global environmental issues like habitat loss and pollution can feel overwhelming. Can one person’s actions make a difference? Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Erin Garrett believes so. Garrett provides...

January 9, 2025

Learn about the latest research at Dudley Smith Farm
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Stay informed on current agriculture practices and the latest research taking place at Dudley Smith Farm during the annual Winter Meeting. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County Office located at 1120 N....

a group of people having a discussion outside sitting in the grass

January 9, 2025

Local Climate Stewards can lead to big changes with new environmental program
URBANA, Ill. — Climate change is a complex global challenge, but local action has an important role in empowering communities and building resiliency. The new University of Illinois Extension Climate Steward course trains environmental stewards to communicate about climate change and engage in...

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Programs We Offer

Local Foods and Small Farms