A greenhouse with handing baskets of vibrant pink and white flowers.

2026 Southern Illinois Twilight Series

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Summer Twilight Series - Mum and Pumpkin Farm

Get ready for fall with mums and pumpkins. Join Extension for the final installation of the Summer Twilight Series as we tour Friendly Farms, a southern Illinois family-owned farm specializing in growing mums and pumpkins. The program will highlight the farm’s growth from a half‑acre pumpkin patch in 2018 to producing thousands of mums annually. Attendees will learn about their production process, including sourcing, maintenance, marketing, sales, challenges faced, and future expansion plans.

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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 ongoing Ag research in Southern Illinois on the Dixon Spring Ag Center webpage.

Dixon Springs Agricultural Center

Events

Dairy Judging and Superior Young Dairy Producer Contests

August 22, 2026

2026 Illinois State 4-H Dog Show

August 22, 2026

Focus on the Future: Sustaining Farm Legacy | Mt. Vernon

August 25, 2026

Drone-based Herbicide Application Efficacy for Priority Invasive Plants

August 26, 2026

More Events

News Releases

August 19, 2026

Local event offers insight into fall’s most popular plant
EDDYVILLE, Ill. – Typing the address for Friendly Farms into a GPS may leave visitors wondering if they have arrived at the correct location. Yet just beyond the residence situated off a rural stretch of highway in Pope County lies an impressive operation: meticulously cultivated mums...

August 14, 2026

Learn the latest research during Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. — Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag...

A person sitting on a park bench between two large trees, overseeing a small city in the far distance.

August 13, 2026

Welcome fall season with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — It is that time again when shifting seasons are near. Keep the gardening conversations growing with two new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s free Four Seasons Gardening...

9 youth standing behind a banner for "Illinois 4-H Superior Young Producer Contest"

August 13, 2026

2026 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest winners announced
The 2026 Illinois 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest was held on Aug. 12 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. A record number of 35 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. Members tackle a three-phase competition including livestock...

August 11, 2026

Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...

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