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

2026 Southern Illinois Twilight Series

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. 

Events
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News Releases

Mark Ridlen in a suit in a headshot pose.
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...
A row of mums in a field.
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...
black cows grazing in a field
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...
9 youth standing behind a banner for "Illinois 4-H Superior Young Producer Contest"
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...
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Programs We Offer

Local Foods and Small Farms
4-H Youth Development
Food Access
Gardening
Master Gardener
Master Naturalists
Nutrition Education and Wellness
School and Community Programming

Dig Deeper
Topics we address
Agricultural Technology
Beef Cattle
Christmas Trees
Climate
Community Gardens
Community Planning
Composting
Container Gardens
Cottage Food
Crops
Diabetes
Disasters
Economic Development
Energy
Environmental Quality
Family
Farm Management
Firewood
Flowers
Food
Food Preservation
Food Safety
Forestry
Fruit Trees for Home Gardens
Health
Hemp
Herbs
Home Vegetable Gardening
Houseplants
Illinois Grasses
Illinois Master Naturalist Program
Insects
Invasives
Lawns
Livestock
Local Food Systems and Small Farms
Local Government Education
Mental Health
Mushrooms
Natural Resources
Nutrient Loss Reduction
Personal Finances
Plant Problems
Plants
Pumpkins
Rainfall Management
Regenerative Agriculture
Roses
Septic Systems
Small Fruits for Home Gardens
Soil
Specialty Crops
Thriving Youth
Ticks
Turkey
Vaccines
Weather
Wildlife
Youth Gardening

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings
Serving Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline and White Counties
Saline County Extension Office
912 S Commercial Street
Suite 4
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone: 618-252-8391
Gallatin County Extension Office
912 S Commercial Street
Suite 4
Harrisburg, IL 62946
Phone: 618-252-8391
Hamilton County Extension Office
100 S Jackson Street
McLeansboro, IL 62859
Phone: 618-643-3416
Hardin & Pope County Extension Office
Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, 354 State Hwy 145 North
Simpson, IL 62985
Phone: 618-695-6060
White County Extension Office
1715 College Avenue
Carmi, IL 62821
Phone: 618-382-2662