4-H Fun Day: Doing, Thinking, and Creating!
The 2026 Jo Daviess County 4-H Fun Day will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Elizabeth Community Building, 402 West St., Elizabeth, IL. Sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, this event will include hands-on learning...
Succession Planning Workshop offered by Illinois Extension
LENA, Ill.-- Succession planning is essential for farm families but is often overlooked. To help farm families start or continue this process, University of Illinois Extension will offer Starting the Conversation: Farm Succession Planning Strategies and Resources for Illinois Farm Families...
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...
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...
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-...
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...
Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference Recap
Our 30th Annual Stateline Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference was held on Monday, February 16, in Rockford. Nearly 120 growers and community college students attended this event, which focuses on timely updates for fruit and vegetable growers in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. We...
Yes, You Can: Freezing Your Summer Harvest
Spring is just around the corner, and before long, summer gardens will be overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy those garden-fresh flavors long after the growing season ends. Home food preservation remains a popular way to reduce food...
Focus on Your Future: Protecting Your Vision for Life
Freeport, Ill.--More than 7 million Americans are estimated to live with vision impairment, with higher rates often seen in rural communities. Interestingly, many people fear losing their vision more than losing their memory, hearing, or speech, yet they frequently delay routine...
Spring Centerpieces
Join University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinator Nikki Keltner as she presents “Spring Centerpieces” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series on Thursday, April 2 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL....
Stephenson County 4-H Youth Showcase Culinary Skills at Favorite Foods Contest
Four talented 4-H members showcased their culinary skills during the annual Favorite Foods Contest held Saturday, February 21, in Freeport. The event highlighted creativity in the kitchen, meal planning knowledge, and confidence in presentation.Participants prepared and presented a...
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Galena, IL --- Do you work with food or hope to begin a career in the food industry? University of Illinois Extension is offering an opportunity to earn the nationally recognized Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential this spring.The Illinois Department of Public Health...
Registration Now Open for 2026 Stephenson County 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations Contest
Youth across the county are invited to sharpen their communication skills as registration opens for the 2026 Stephenson County 4-H Public Speaking and Demonstrations Contest. The event will be held on Tuesday, March 10, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Stephenson County Extension Office, located in...
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Freeport, Ill.--- Whether dining out for a special occasion or grabbing a quick meal on the go, people expect food that is both high-quality and safe. This expectation plays a major role in where people choose to eat. To protect customers and maintain public health, restaurants are required to...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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:...
