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

2026 Southern Illinois Twilight Series

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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

Orr Beef Research Center Field Day 2026

September 2, 2026

County

Pike

2026 Pumpkin Field Day

September 3, 2026

Trash Blast - Bean Ridge

September 4, 2026

County

Alexander

Pulaski

Union

Massac

Johnson

Gardening on a Budget

September 10, 2026

More Events

News Releases

Jars of preserved produce sits on a table with fresh herbs, corn, and tomatoes.

August 28, 2026

Summer wrap-up program offers insight on fall garden tasks and food preservation safety
ELDORADO, Ill. – For many, the summer garden season is ending, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. There are many things you can do now to set your garden and pantry up for success over the winter.On Sept. 22, join Extension to learn tips and resources for wrapping up the summer...

a girl kneels next to a dog and holds a blue ribbon

August 28, 2026

4-H members demonstrate skills at 2026 State Dog Show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – 4-H members from across the state recently demonstrated their skills during the Illinois 4-H Dog Show, held Aug. 22 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The show is open to 4-H members who are enrolled in the...

group of people standing in front of a 4-H backdrop

August 27, 2026

4-H volunteers honored for exceptional service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently...

August 21, 2026

Illinois 4-H Foundation welcomes Mark Ridlen to Board of Directors
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Ridlen, an Illinois 4-H alumnus and retired banking and financial regulatory executive, to its Board of Directors.The Illinois 4-H Foundation Board is committed to advancing...

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...

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