News Releases

round bales in a field
Stored Forages to be discussed at Workshop
Livestock managers and owners are invited to join U of I Extension for a Storing Forages: Balancing Cost and Performance workshop on Thursday, September 19.   U of I Extension Livestock Specialist Dr Teresa Steckler will be the featured speaker.  The workshop...
children running in field
Youth Naturalist Program offered in Freeport
FREEPORT, Ill.--Learn about nature at Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists), a fun interactive program for youth ages 4-7. Youth will learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty will...
4-H logo in white with a circle of rainbow colors on a black background
4-H Members Showcase Their Exhibits During the Fair
The Jo Daviess County 4-H Fair was the place to be from July 15-17, 2024. 4-H members came out in full force to showcase their projects. From horses to hens, bunnies to calves, and everything in between, our members brought it all. Not to mention, 4-H Cloverbuds participated in our 4-H...
sheep and goats
Sheep and Goat Workshop Offered
Small ruminant feeding, nutrition, and managementFREEPORT, Ill.---Sheep and goats are a popular choice for youth and adults.  Small ruminants are a good place for anyone to enter the livestock business on small...
cattle grazing in field
Wisconsin Hosting Stockmanship & Stewardship Event
Join us for the Stockmanship & Stewardship workshop on August 28 and 29 at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Held in the heart of the driftless region, known for its’ rolling hills, fertile soils and abundant pastures. This will be an action-packed two days featuring a...
on the left side, a photo of a variety of tomatoes in a variety of colors. on the right a basket full of various fresh vegetables from a garden
Picking the best tomato
It’s tomato season, and tomatoes are making their appearance in backyard gardens and at the local farmer's markets. Tomatoes are versatile and found in countless entrees, side dishes, condiments, and beverages. If you are interested in learning more about which varieties of tomatoes work well in...
drawing of two kids running through meadow with trees in background
Youth Naturalist Program Offered in Pecatonica
Learn about nature at Wee Nats (Wee Naturalists), a fun interactive program for youth ages 4-7. Youth will learn about different environmental education topics through a story, activity, craft, and hike. University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Educator Kelly Lafferty will offer the program on...
black background with gold detailing
Winnebago County 4-H Foundation Celebrates 50 Years
On June 12, 2024, the Winnebago County 4-H and Extension Foundation celebrated their 50th anniversary. That is 50 years of partnership providing financial support for Winnebago County 4-H and other University of Illinois Extension programs in the county!The Foundation will continue the...
4-H symbol on a black background
Stephenson County 4-H Summer Shows
The Stephenson County 4-H is gearing up for our summer shows. Even before the official start of the local county fair, most 4-H activities will be taking place at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds.  From foods to livestock, and horticulture to rabbits, 4-H members will exhibit many projects...
pressed flowers on white background
Learn how to preserve flowers to enjoy year-round
Harvesting and preserving flowers from your garden is a great way to enjoy them year-round. Flowers can be preserved by drying or pressing and can be used in many ways in your home and garden. At this workshop, participants will learn about the flowers that work best for preservation and the...
 four different photos of restaurant food safety
Get your certified food protection manager certification
Americans love dining out. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is a part of our lives. With an ever-growing number of individuals eating out, it is more important than ever to ensure consumers have exceptional, high-quality food and safe food.The...
fresh cut flowers in a tea cup.
Turn fresh cut flowers into a beautiful arrangement
Have you ever considered growing a cut flower garden? As gardeners, we often incorporate flowers into the landscape to bring color to the outdoors, but have you ever considered a garden just for cut flowers? Beautiful bouquets from the garden can brighten a room or make a...
blue and orange background, with photo of a pressure canner lid and dial
Learn how to pressure can green beans
If you find yourself with a bumper crop of green beans, consider preserving them and enjoying them throughout the coming year. Green beans can be dehydrated, frozen, pickled, or canned for long-term storage. If you are planning on canning your green beans, they, like most...
Tart Cherries hanging from branch
Tart cherry season begins in Northern Illinois
While it may seem early, tart cherries are almost ready in backyard and commercial orchards in Northern Illinois. The tart cherry harvest season will begin in the next two weeks, towards the middle and end of June, maybe even sooner.“June remains an...
bunch of herbs on left side with a tan background. on right side is a basket with a variety of garden produce
Maximize flavor with culinary herbs
Are you looking for ways to make healthier meals without giving up flavor? It can be as simple as adding a few herbs to your favorite dish instead of salt. Or cut the amount of sugar by adding items like vanilla and cinnamon.Making small changes,...
pressure canner on stove top
Get your pressure canner dial gauge tested
Canning season is fast approaching! Are you ready? Before using your pressure canner, have your dial gauge tested for accuracy. Testing will ensure your pressure canner reaches the appropriate pressure needed to process low-acid foods. Over time, a pressure canner's dial gauge will become...
old style telephone on tan backdrop
Helpline answers Home Gardening Questions
Have a gardening question?  The Master Gardener Helpline at the University of Illinois Extension is open for the season. Designed to help the home gardener with their questions, the helpline is staffed with Master Gardener volunteers who will provide a research-based...
photo of a pressure canner lid on a blue and orange background
Home Food Preservation Workshop on Pressure Canning with Green Beans
If you find yourself with a bumper crop of green beans, consider preserving them and enjoying them throughout the coming year. Green beans can be dehydrated, frozen, pickled, or canned for long-term storage. If you are planning on canning your green beans, they, like most...
rows of young corn in a field
Talking Crop: A Seasonal Row Crop Production Podcast
“Talking Crop” is a seasonal row crop production podcast hosted by University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Kathryn Seebruck. The purpose of this podcast is to provide farmers and agribusiness representatives with topical information and actionable...
three different jams in jars
Yes! You CAN: Preserving Practice – Jams and Jellies
Strawberry season is upon us, and fresh-picked strawberries are great! These sweet berries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. If you have a bumper crop and want to enjoy the delectable tastes of these summer berries year-round, try preserving them. Nothing tastes...