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IVCC Plot Sign
Read article: Extension + IVCC Research Plots update
Extension + IVCC Research Plots update
The growing season is underway at the University of Illinois Extension + Illinois Valley Community College Agriculture Research and Demonstration...
Sunset over field
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 
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The next stop in my tri-county farmer interview series brought me to Garden Gate Farm in Fairbury, Illinois, to talk to the...
Chicken in a field
Read article: What is regenerative agriculture?
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture may just sound like a new buzz word in the sustainable production space, but what does this term actually mean and why...
a field of 'Warthog' wheat, an heirloom variety of hard red winter wheat - about to be harvested
Read article: McLean county small farm uses systems-level thinking, small town advocacy, farm business synergy to drive positive change in local food system
McLean county small farm uses systems-level thinking, small town advocacy, farm business synergy to drive positive change in local food system
  McLean county small farm uses systems-level thinking, small town advocacy, farm business synergy to drive positive change in local food...

News Releases

young man, woman and man looking at mobile phone in field with cows in background
Webinar series for Beginners in Livestock Ownership set to begin January 11
The Livestock Production and Principles for Beginners Webinar Series returns in 2024. This monthly series, first launched in 2023, addresses the needs of those who are getting started, exploring the concept of, or even assists those currently raising livestock. With a focus on helping those who...
cattle on pasture
Pasture Management: Recovering from 2023
Why recover from 2023?  Timely early-season rains, which help start crops off reasonably well, gave way to hot, dry conditions for the last half of the season. This resulted in many area pastures and hayfields ending the growing season in rough, beatdown conditions.  Add to the short...
beef cattle on pasture
Driftless Region Beef Conference Jan. 25-26
Beef producers from three states invited to attend With nearly 2.5 million cattle in three Midwest states, university extension services in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin are teaming together to offer the Driftless Region Beef Conference.  The twelfth annual event...
red barn with silo in green grass
U of I Extension hosting the Ogle County Farm Stroll Oct. 15
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 curiosities! On Sunday, October 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Illinois Extension...

Staff

Duane Friend

Duane Friend

State Master Naturalist Coordinator and Climate Change Specialist