Charlotte Musser Wins 2025 Stephenson County Master Showmanship Contest
Ten Stephenson County 4-H members battled it out Thursday afternoon, July 24, at the Stephenson County Fair in the annual Master Showmanship Contest. Youth ages 14–18 competed by showing swine, sheep, and beef in this prestigious competition, which tests participants’ skills in handling and...
Stephenson County 4-H Members Excel at Illinois State Fair
Stephenson County 4-H members proudly showcased their talents at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 9, bringing home top honors and representing their community with excellence.A total of 44 projects from Stephenson County were exhibited in Springfield. Of these entries, nine...
Jo Daviess County 4-H Fair Showcases Youth Talent and Dedication
From July 14–16, 2025, the Jo Daviess County 4-H Fair was alive with energy, creativity, and community spirit. 4-H members from across the county gathered to proudly present their projects, ranging from horses and hens to bunnies and calves—and everything in between.The fairgrounds buzzed...
Crop dusting: Exploring aerial application safety by plane or drone
URBANA, Ill. — One of the trademarks of summer is the sight of planes and helicopters making gravity-defying turns as they make passes up and down cornfields. While this evokes awe and amazement, it also elicits curiosity as to what they are doing and why. Additionally, when serious or fatal...
Walk the Forest and Learn to Fight Invasive Plants
Some plants quietly—yet quickly—invade and overtake our landscapes, pushing out natives and offering no benefits to people, wildlife, or the environment. Luckily, Fall is an ideal time to identify and manage many of the invasive plants in our timber, prairie areas, and landscapes. ...
Stay Connected, Stay Healthy: Join Us for “Honey and Health”
FREEPORT, ILL. Strong social connections are vital to healthy aging. One way to connect and build meaningful relationships is by participating in group activities that bring people together through shared interests, experiences, and goals. Group activities benefit everyone, especially older...
Youth Learn Safety and Fun at the 4-H Bike Rodeo in Pecatonica
On Saturday, June 28, the Winnebago Fairgrounds in Pecatonica buzzed with excitement as young cyclists ages 5 to 18 gathered for the 4-H Bike Rodeo—a hands-on event focused on bicycle safety, skills, and fun. The event was presented by University of Illinois Extension–Winnebago County in...
Bring Your Family to the Jo Daviess County 4-H Fair
The entries are in, the judges are ready, and excitement is building for the 2025 Jo Daviess County 4-H Fair! Taking place July 14–16 at the Elizabeth Community Fairgrounds, this year’s fair will showcase a wide variety of projects created by local 4-H members. Exhibits...
Getting Started with Cover Crops
Join University of Illinois Extension for a program on “Getting Started with Cover Crops”. This program is taking place from 8 to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5 at the Stockton Public Library, 140 W. Benton Avenue, Stockton, IL. Doors will open at 7:50 a.m. This program is being offered free of...
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
FREEPORT, Ill. --- Do you currently have a position handling food, or are you looking for a job in the food industry? If so, consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to obtain an American National...
Hook, Line, and Sinker! New Fishing Spin Club Launches for Youth in Elizabeth, IL
Elizabeth, IL – The University of Illinois Extension is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new Fishing Spin Club for youth entering grades 6 through 12. This engaging and educational program is designed to introduce young anglers to the fundamentals of fishing while encouraging outdoor...
Round up the kids for a bicycle rodeo on June 28th
Winnebago County 4-H, The Bicycle Hub, and the Pecatonica Lions Club are partnering to offer local youth the chance to learn important information about bicycle maintenance, safety and riding skills at the annual Bicycle Rodeo, scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The...
Stay Strong, Live Long: Learn How to Maintain Muscle Strength as You Age
Staying healthy and fit can be challenging at any age. However, did you realize it becomes even more critical as we age? This is because with age comes natural physiological changes, including muscle loss, which can affect mobility, independence, and overall health.Therefore, maintaining...
Move More for Better Health
FREEPORT, ILL. The warm weather and longer summer days are perfect for getting outdoors, moving more, and boosting your health. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer the evening breeze, staying active can improve mental and physical well-being at any age.Physical activity is a...
2025 Illinois Forage Expo Slated for July 30
DAVIS, Ill.--Demonstrations, equipment, and education will be the features of the July 30, 2025, Illinois Forage Expo. The event will be co-hosted by the Don Brown Farm and the Eric Stiegler Farm and held at Eric Stiegler’s Farm, 9776 Il Route 75 E, Davis, Il, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m....
Experience the Buzz: Beekeeping Event
The University of Illinois Extension invites youth and adults to take part in a unique Beekeeping Experience hosted by Dry Creek Beekeeping on June 18, 2025.Participants will suit up for this immersive, hands-on experience and explore the fascinating world of beekeeping through...
Supporting school nutrition professionals with essential training
As students prepare to return to school, dedicated school nutrition professionals work diligently behind the scenes—preparing kitchens, planning menus, and placing food orders. These professionals play a vital role in the health and well-being of children, directly influencing childhood...
Tree Health
Join Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Mike Iacomini for a program on “Tree Health” on Tuesday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There is a $5 fee to attend this program and pre-registration is requested. To register or for more...
