Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact.

Winter Agriculture Programs

Stay up to date on all things agriculture this Winter.
Discover the latest research and best practices by exploring our many agriculture programs and offerings.

Find local agriculture programs

Upcoming Programs and Events

Pasture Improvement: The Basics and Beyond

This series will focus on management strategies to improve pasture productivity and resilience. The sessions build upon each other by highlighting foundational practices that lay the groundwork for healthy pastures, management options to consider in anticipation of and in response to drought conditions, and higher-level management practices to further enhance pasture production and efficiency.

Joys of Gardening

Join us for the 27th Annual JOYS OF GARDENING on February 28, 2026, for a Saturday of Horticulture Fun!

Gardening for Food, Flowers & Fun

Illinois Extension is pleased to announce Gardening for Food, Flowers & Fun, an event offering gardening tips for the growing season. Join us for this early rite of spring - an educational venture presenting fresh horticultural ideas, insights, and techniques. The $20 cost includes admission to the keynote and two breakout sessions.

Events

Seed Starting for Success: Pocket-Friendly and Eco-Smart Methods

February 21, 2026

County

Winnebago

Certified Livestock Manager Training | Freeport

February 24, 2026

Certified Livestock Manager Training | Sycamore

February 25, 2026

Joys of Gardening

February 28, 2026

County

Stephenson

More Events

News Releases

February 11, 2026

Candice King Guest Speaks at 4-H Public Speaking Workshop
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, thirty-nine youth from Stephenson, Winnebago, Ogle, Boone, and DeKalb Counties attended a public speaking workshop at the Machine Shed in Rockford, Illinois.  This workshop helps youth learn new techniques to prepare them for their counties’ upcoming public...

February 11, 2026

Prepare for the Growing Season at Gardening for Food, Flowers, and Fun
WINNEBAGO COUNTY-  Garden enthusiasts are invited to prepare for and welcome in the growing season with University of Illinois Extension and U of I Extension Master Gardeners at Gardening for Food, Flowers, and Fun. The day will have something for every gardener in every stage of their...

February 9, 2026

Extension Offers Conserving Your Land and Legacy Series This Spring
LENA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, landowners, and community members to a three-part evening series, Conserving Your Land and Legacy. This program is designed for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, natural resource stewardship, and...

February 5, 2026

Grow, Learn, and Get Inspired: 28th Annual Joys of Gardening Set for Feb. 28 in Freeport
Freeport, Ill—Mark your calendars for the 28th annual Joys of Gardening program offered by the University of Illinois Extension and the U of I Extension Master Gardeners. Slated for Saturday, February 28, at the Highland Community College Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Road,...

January 30, 2026

Pasture Improvement: The Basics and Beyond
Join University of Illinois Extension for this series “Pasture Improvement: The Basics and Beyond” that will focus on management strategies to improve pasture productivity and resilience. The sessions for this series will be held on consecutive Thursday nights, March 5, 12, and 19 starting at 6:...

More News Releases