Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact.

Winter Agriculture Programs

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

Upcoming Programs and Events

footprints in snow

Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales

Embrace winter's beauty through outdoor exploration and indoor inspiration at the University of Illinois Extension's Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales. Winter Trails & Naturalist Tales will be held at Torstenson's Education Center and will include four sessions led by three keynote speakers, each presenting a "naturalist tale" as well as an opportunity for a winter hike.

mature corn field in rolling hills

Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit

The University of Illinois Extension is hosting the annual Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit this winter to provide producers with the latest agronomic research updates and equip them with information that will empower their farm decision-making. Click here for more information. 

Winter Scene saying Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays

Offices Closed

University of Illinois Extension offices will be closed December 24 - January 1 for holiday break. Offices will return to regular hours on January 2. Illinois Extension wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.

Events
News Releases
Sheep and goats
Health and Management Roundup for Small Ruminants
Join University of Illinois Extension Livestock Specialist Dr. Teresa Steckler for a program on small ruminants. This program is taking place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There is no fee to attend but pre-...
close up of Asian Copperleaf weed
Novel Illinois weed species identified in Stephenson County
Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County following corn harvest this fall. This is the first confirmed Asian copperleaf population in Illinois....
fruit tree and pruner
Fruit Tree Pruning Fundamentals Program Wraps Up
While it is still too early to begin fruit tree pruning in Northern Illinois, that hasn’t stopped University of Illinois Extension offices in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties from providing classroom-based instruction this past November and December.“I’ve taught this fruit...
young corn field
Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit slated for January 28
Many northwest Illinois corn and soybean farmers produced their highest yields ever in the 2025 growing season. Despite this, challenges remain, most pertinently the price-cost squeeze that continues to force producers to make management decisions with added scrutiny, rendering standard...

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Be ready before a disaster occurs

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings