Freshly harvested vegetables

Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact.

Talking Crop Podcast

Talking Crop is a row crop production podcast. In each episode, a guest expert is interviewed to discuss topics in their areas of expertise. Each episode provides relevant, timely information to corn and soybean producers to help them make informed management decisions.

Upcoming Programs and Events

DIABETES with fruits and vegetables

Diabetes 101

The Diabetes 101 series offers a variety of topics, allowing participants to register for the entire series or attend individual sessions based on their interests. Classes will be held at the Senior Resource Center, 206 E Stephenson St Freeport, IL from 1-3 PM.

Session topics include:
Understanding Diabetes and Prediabetes - September 2
Meal Planning Made Easy - September 9
Heart Healthy Eating -      September 16
Management Beyond Food - September 23
 
Heart shaped bowl with fruits and vegetables with tennis shoes, hand weights, stethoscope and water bottle

Heart Healthy Living

Topics will include understanding heart disease, heart-healthy eating, physical activity, managing stress, quality sleep, setting realistic goals for long-term heart health, and understanding cholesterol and dietary fat. Participants will receive practical wellness strategies and heart-healthy recipes to try at home.

Sessions will be held from 1–3 p.m. at Midwest Medical Center.

Eating to Lower Blood Pressure, October 8
Setting Goals to Build a Heart-Healthy Life, October 29 
Understanding Cholesterol and Dietary Fat, November 12
 
grapevine wreath with pine cones, lemon slices, berries and ribbon

Grapevine Wreaths

Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteers Laurie and Linda will show you what you can create with the grapevines growing wild around your property. Participants will learn how to fashion the grapevines into a wreath and adorn it with festive fall pieces and natural dried elements. Participants will get to take these wreaths home to display for all to see!
 

Events

News Releases

making a grapevine wreath with pine cones, ribbon, lemon slices and berries
Grapevine Wreaths
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Volunteers Laurie Zueger and Linda Helgeson for Grapevine Wreaths. The program will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 Vine St. Elizabeth, IL. There will be a $15...
heart shaped bowl with fruit, a stethoscope, tennis shoes, water bottle, and hand weights
Heart Healthy Living
Our hearts beat nearly 100,000 times each day, supplying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to sustain life. Yet many people rarely think about their heart health until problems arise. Nor do they realize that everyday lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, poor...
Diabetes word with fruits and vegetables int he background
University of Illinois Extension offers Diabetes 101 educational series
FREEPORT, Ill.--- Diabetes touches millions of lives every day. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed, have been living with diabetes for years, or are supporting a loved one, you’re not alone. With the right information and support, diabetes can be managed, and healthy living...
4-H member holding two fish
Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...
white background, colorful borders and green clover
Stephenson County 4-H Celebrates 10th Annual Master Showmanship Contest
Six of Stephenson County's top 4-H livestock exhibitors put their skills, knowledge, and showmanship to the test during the 10th Annual Stephenson County 4-H Master Showmanship Contest, held Thursday, July 23, at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds.The prestigious contest featured six...
 tornado above trees, severe flooding, and grass fire

Be ready before a disaster occurs

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings