Submit photos that capture resilient spirit of Illinois agriculture
URBANA, Ill. — Have a farm photo that brings a smile every time it is shared? Inspire others and create more smiles by having that photo be part of the 2026 Seasons of Strength calendar from North Central Farm and Ranch Stress...
A century of data reveals declining forest diversity
URBANA, Ill. — Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have analyzed 96 years of forest census data to better understand ecological changes and inform management practices. Their study...
Illinois expert on keeping outdoor workers safe in excessive heat
URBANA, Ill. — Another round of excessive heat is on the way through much of the United States next week, with heat indices predicted to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more in many locations. Salah Issa, an...
2025 Ogle County 4-H Fair schedule
OREGON, Ill. — The 2025 Ogle County 4-H Fair will be held in conjunction with the 172nd Ogle County Fair in Oregon, IL. The fair is open to the public from July 30 – August 3. Visit the 4-H Fair to see local 4-H club members in action with their animals and experience the wide array of displays...
Keep animals safe and healthy during excessive heat
URBANA, Ill. — Excessive heat will once again blast much of the United States next week, with heat indices predicted to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more in many locations. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign animal welfare expert...
Biologicals vs. biostimulants: Illinois study clarifies crop input confusion
URBANA, Ill. — Every time Fred Below and Connor Sible meet with Illinois farmers, they get the same question. “What’s the story with these biologicals? Do they work?” The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign crop scientists and...
Discover tools to help caregivers manage aging-related demands
URBANA, Ill. — Caregivers in long-term care settings face growing challenges as they support aging populations with complex physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. From managing dementia-related behaviors to addressing social isolation and limited resources, the challenges can be...
Illinois plant ecologists fight to restore Midwest biodiversity
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine a prairie. How many plant species do you see? Maybe you’re picturing yellow coneflowers, some little bluestem, perhaps a few asters. But plant ecologists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign say these ecosystems are much more...
Ogle County 4-H general projects to be showcased
Youth, ages 5-18 by September 1, 2021 can join for the coming year. You can visit various clubs to find the right fit or create your own!At the 4-H Fair, competition exists at two levels. 4-H’ers first compete against themselves for exhibit ratings. Every exhibit--animal or...
Don’t be stumped by tree problems
URBANA, Ill. — In urban settings like parks and yards, numerous challenges threaten tree health and longevity. Environmental or abiotic stressors are often the culprit, and as a tree’s health declines, it will become more susceptible to living or biotic organisms like pests or disease....
Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction is set for Aug. 2
OREGON, Ill.—The Annual 4-H Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction has been set for Saturday, August 2. It is being held at the Ogle County Fair, 1440 N Limekiln Rd. in Oregon. The 4-H Auction Committee invites the public to support 4-H project work by bidding on a quality 4-H animal.The...
New land grant research detects dicamba damage from the sky
URBANA, Ill — Drones can now detect subtle soybean canopy damage from dicamba at one ten-thousandth of the herbicide’s label rate — simulating vapor drift — eight days after application. This advancement in remote sensing from the University of Illinois...
Learn practical strategies to minimize contamination, improve produce safety
URBANA, Ill. — Contamination in wash and pack areas remains one of the leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks in fresh produce. Without proper handling and sanitation practices, even the most carefully grown crops can pose a serious health risk to consumers and a financial risk to...
Help youth learn about agriculture
OREGON, Ill.—We all eat, but where exactly does the food come from? Youth throughout Ogle and Carroll counties discover the answer to that question through school, library, and park district programs provided by Ag in the Classroom.You can help spread the knowledge by assisting at...
Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canning testing for home canners
OREGON, Ill.— With summer gardens gearing up, it’s time to take canning equipment out of storage. Illinois Extension offers free dial-gauge pressure canner testing to ensure the equipment works accurately.A variety of foods can be canned at home through boiling water bath canning and...
Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan
URBANA — When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when disaster strikes and a herd of cattle are grazing pasture?Dr. Yvette...
Learn how to manage invasive species online and in the field with statewide hybrid course
URBANA, Ill. — From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts. Learn how to manage invasive plants in Introduction to Invasive Species Management, a two-day hybrid program led by University of Illinois Extension educators...
Getting Started with Cover Crops
Join University of Illinois Extension for a program on “Getting Started with Cover Crops”. This program is taking place from 8 to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5 at the Stockton Public Library, 140 W. Benton Avenue, Stockton, IL. Doors will open at 7:50 a.m. This program is being offered free of...
Corn after soy: New study quantifies rotation benefits and trade-offs
URBANA — While the majority of Midwestern farmers rotate corn and soybeans, commodity prices and corn yield advantages compel some to plant corn year after year. Although foundational research on the benefits of corn-soybean rotation goes back decades, University...
Ogle County 4-H Fair Food Decorating Contest award winners
OREGON, Ill.—This year’s Ogle County 4-H Food Decorating Contest was held at the Ogle County Farm Bureau in Oregon on Tuesday, June 17. From colorful frostings to fondant designs and edible decorations, these young bakers demonstrated a wide range of decorating techniques. Whether they're...
