Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact.

Agriculture Programs

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

Find local agriculture programs

Upcoming Programs and Events

Spring Break Gardening - Spring Centerpieces

Have you ever wanted to try floral design using fresh-cut flowers? Participants will learn the basics of designing with cut flowers and will then make a fresh spring-themed flower arrangement to take home with them.
Other programs in the series include: Creative Container Gardens on April 30, Low Maintenance Landscaping on April 16, Trees in Your Landscape: Functions and Benefits on May 7, Tomatoes on May 14, and more to come.

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.

Conserving Your Land and Legacy

This program is designed for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, natural resource stewardship, and planning for the long-term future of their land or farm. Participants will learn practical strategies to improve soil health, protect water resources, and navigate the process of farm or land transition across generations.

Events

4-H Fun Day

March 21, 2026

County

Winnebago

Conserving Your Land and Legacy

March 24, 2026

County

Stephenson

Fabulous Frogs

March 26, 2026

County

Winnebago

Conserving Your Land and Legacy

March 31, 2026

County

Stephenson

More Events

News Releases

bottled water, canned food, flashlight and first aid kit

March 19, 2026

Emergency Preparedness Essentials
The Midwest's springtime severe weather season is underway, and many communities have already been affected. The forecast for March will feature significant weather volatility across the US, with increased severe thunderstorm risk, including hail and tornadoes, from the Plains to the Ohio Valley...

March 18, 2026

Low Maintenance Landscaping
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener, Madelynn Wilharm, for this program on “Low Maintenance Landscaping” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series. The program will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N...

March 18, 2026

Local 4-H Youth Showcase Equine Knowledge at Regional Competition
Stephenson and Winnebago County 4-H youth demonstrated their knowledge and dedication to the equine industry at the Northwest Regional 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology Contest held Saturday, March 14 at Sauk Valley Community College.Seven youth from the two counties participated in the day-...

white background, colorful borders and green clover

March 13, 2026

Stephenson County 4-H Youth Demonstrate Creativity and Confidence at Public Presentations Contest
Stephenson County 4-H members recently showcased their confidence and communication skills during the Stephenson County 4-H Public Presentations Contest held Tuesday, March 10 at the University of Illinois Extension Office on the Highland Community College Campus.Nine youth from across...

March 12, 2026

Stephenson County 4-H Members Compete at Illinois State 4-H Meats Judging Contest
Several Stephenson County 4-H members recently showcased their skills at the Illinois State 4-H Meats Judging Contest held Friday, March 6, at the University of Illinois Meat Science Laboratory in Urbana.Competing in the senior division, Brogan Keltner of Pearl City earned an impressive...

More News Releases