Combine harvesting corn

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

Tree tops with sky

Northern Illinois Native Tree Diversity

Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension Forestry Specialists will talk about the variety of species historically common to the area, identification tips, and benefits and challenges for many of these trees.  He will also share tips on selecting the right native tree-site combination for new trees, along with care for existing trees.    

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

Potted House Plant
Healthy Houseplants
Join Nikki Keltner and Alex Burbach, University of Illinois Extension Program Coordinators, for “Healthy Houseplants” on November 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office. There will be a $15 fee to attend this program and pre-registration is...
Asian Copperleaf
Asian copperleaf found in a second Illinois county
FREEPORT, Ill. – Asian copperleaf, an emerging weed of concern in the Midwest, has now been confirmed in a second Illinois county. Following its initial discovery in Stephenson County during harvest in 2025, a newly confirmed population in Carroll County suggests that this...
From left, Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers Anita Johnson, County Extension Director Margaret Larson, and Master Gardener volunteer Barbara Flores pose together at the 2026 Illinois Master Gardener Conference in Rockford. A purple Illinois Master Gardener banner and logo appear beside them.
Winnebago County Master Gardeners Receive Statewide Honors
ROCKFORD, Ill. – Two Winnebago County Master Gardeners with Illinois Extension were recognized for their outstanding service, leadership, and dedication during the 2026 Illinois Master Gardener Conference, held recently in Rockford, Illinois.The Illinois Extension Master...
Dried native flowers and grasses
Dried Flower Bouquets
Join University of Illinois Extension Jo Daviess County Master Gardener volunteer Karen Arauz-Reed for a program on dried floral bouquets. This program will take place on Thursday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine Street, Elizabeth, IL. There will be...
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...
 tornado above trees, severe flooding, and grass fire

Be ready before a disaster occurs

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings