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a newly born brown calf stares at the camera
Read article: Little Acres, Big Hearts: How the Hoffmans Are Building Community and Living Off the Land
Little Acres, Big Hearts: How the Hoffmans Are Building Community and Living Off the Land
In the heart of Livingston County, Hoffman’s Little Acres stands as proof that a small farm can have a big impact. From treating a sick Jersey cow to...
Pine tree with pine cone growing
Read article: Success of Woodford County farm fueled by faith, family time, work ethic, and Christmas spirit
Success of Woodford County farm fueled by faith, family time, work ethic, and Christmas spirit
The next installment of my tri-county farmer interview series brought me to Panter Ridge Farms, owned and operated by Ashley and Nathan Hodel. Their...
Cattle standing in a pasture over feed bin
Read article: Unveiling McLean County's dairy gems: A breed story and the journey of milk processing
Unveiling McLean County's dairy gems: A breed story and the journey of milk processing
Growing up, my family raised Holstein cattle, which my siblings and I have grown to love. Although this is a well-known dairy breed, my family did...
a bin full of different colors and sizes of cherry tomatoes
Read article: Fairbury farm family finds purpose in land stewardship, community connection, and faith
Fairbury farm family finds purpose in land stewardship, community connection, and faith
When I arrived at Garden Gate Farms in Fairbury, Illinois for another farmer interview, I immediately knew it would be a very interesting story. It...

News Releases

Green grass with blue sky horizon chicken coup and chickens on grass
McHenry County Farm Stroll 2023
McHenry County Farm Stroll 2023 Offers Tours of 11 Family-Owned Small Farms and McHenry County College Student Farm Woodstock, Ill. – Come out for an autumn day in the country! On Sunday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., McHenry County will host its annual Farm Stroll, a free self-...
cow with horns laying down in hay
Ogle County Farm Stroll set for Oct. 13
OREGON, Ill. - Have you ever wanted to see a beekeeper in action? Or pick your own apples and berries? Join us for this free, family-friendly event that will satisfy your local food cravings and curiosity!On Sunday, October 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the University of Illinois Extension...
boy with black cow
Master Showmanship Contest held at Ogle County 4-H Fair
OREGON, Ill. - The 2024 Ogle County 4-H Senior Master Showman winner was Cooper Alderks from Carefree 4-H Club! The runner-up was Gwen Hall of Ogle Jolly 4-H Club. Other senior participants ages 14 – 18 included Ayden Alderks, Ogle Jolly 4-H Club; Boone Alderks, Carefree 4-H Club; Max Thurow,...

Videos

Safe Animal Handling in Beef Cattle

 

Safe animal handling is critical for ensuring safety of both handlers and the animals. In this episode of Grazing Planners Speak, Travis Meeter (University of Illinois Extension) provides an overview of cattle behavior and how to ensure safe animal handling as a grazing planner....

Body Condition Scoring for Beef Cattle

 

Body condition scoring is a valuable tool for evaluating animal health and performance in the field, and is important for both producers and grazing planners. In this episode of Grazing Planners Speak, Travis Meeter (University of Illinois Extension) walks us through how to...

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