Area youth gained problem-solving skills through “backpack” Community Service Project
Stephenson County 4-H Ambassadors organized a Spring Break Backpack Project for area youth in need of food security this past spring. From start to finish 13 youth planned, organized, shopped, and packed 30 backpacks for 30 families and then delivered them to the Boys & Girls Club of...
Jo Daviess County 4-H will host "Information Night"
Illinois 4-H, the flagship youth program of the University of Illinois Extension, is the largest out-of-school youth organization in Illinois. In Jo Daviess County, 4-H youth development programs encourage kids to “learn by doing” through engaging, hands-on activities. Participants can learn,...
Learn how to properly manage your forest
Join Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension Forestry Specialist for a Forest Management Plan Workshop on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Elizabeth Community Building, HWY 20 West, Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $40 fee to attend this workshop. Pre-registration is...
Extension offers webinar about farm business structure
Choosing the right business structure for a farm or ranch business shouldn’t be hard. In the Business Structure Basics Webinar, led by staff from Farm Commons in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, producers will learn how to apply straightforward...
Learn how to grow your own apples
Come celebrate the fall apple season by learning more about this exceptional local fruit. Join University of Illinois Extension's Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, Grant McCarty, for the Growing Great Apples program. In this presentation, you'll learn about general...
Apple orchards opening in Northern Illinois
The end of August in Northern Illinois marks the opening of many of the apple orchards in our region. These orchards grow a wide-range of unique and common apple varieties, with new varieties ripening each week from now until the end of October. At many of these family-owned and operated...
Selecting, storing, and using winter squash
Winter squash is one of the fall's most popular and tasty vegetables. Winter squash encompasses a variety of squash, such as Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut, Hubbard, Sweet Dumpling, and Spaghetti squash. If you want to learn how to make your everyday squash go from ordinary to extraordinary, Join...
Stephenson County 4-H Youth compete in the Master Showmanship Contest
On July 27, 2024, Stephenson County 4-H members participated in the Master Showmanship Contest, at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds, which the Stephenson County Farm Bureau and Stephenson County 4-H coordinated. We had (9) 4-H members between the ages of 14-18 (based on their 4-H age) compete...
Stephenson County 4-H Announces Top Award Winners
Youth in Stephenson County exhibited 4-H projects this past month at various shows held at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds and the Extension Office on Highland Community College’s campus. Enrollment in the local 4-H program increased this past...
Are you part of a non-profit org that serves food? This class is for you!
Selling and serving food remains a popular fundraising activity for many community groups. If you belong to a service club, church group, youth group, special interest club, or any non-profit organization, chances are good that you sell food. Any time your group sells food, it is essential to...
Plant a row for the hungry campaign in full swing
Zillions of zucchinis, tons of tomatoes, and cartloads of carrots are just examples of the produce that can be donated to Plant a Row (PAR) for the Hungry. Plant a Row provides a much-needed outlet for vegetable gardeners to donate their over-abundance of produce, which helps to meet the...
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...
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 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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
