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...
corn with the sun setting in the background
Farm Forward: Turning Last Season’s Challenges Into Next Season’s Triumphs
FREEPORT, Ill.---Join University of Illinois Extension Crop Sciences Educator Kathryn Seebruck for the first year of her series “Farm Forward: Turning Last Season’s Challenges Into Next Season’s Triumphs”. This monthly series aims to address the needs of row crop producers and will be rotated...
corn field on rolling hills
Agronomy Summit slated for January 31
Producers faced another challenging crop growing season this year with dry weather and added weed pressure. “The short yet intense periods of drought this year, although mitigated by timely rainfall, made for an interesting growing season,” stated Kathryn Seebruck, U of I Extension Crops...
a fence in a prairie
Livestock Fencing Webinar to be held in January
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...
greenery, flowers and ribbon on a table waiting to be arranged.. with a red and green plaid background behind the photo
Hort for the Holidays - Jo Daviess County Edition
Gather your friends for an afternoon of decorating fun as the University of Illinois Extension hosts “Hort for the Holidays – Jo Daviess County Edition”. This program is being held on Wednesday, December 20 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204...
Illinois Master Gardener logo on gray background
University of Illinois Extension to Offer Master Gardener Volunteer Training
The Jo Daviess County Extension Office is happy to announce that we will be offering Illinois Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training beginning in January. The training will be offered via the online platform with some additional in-person field trips and events scattered throughout. The...
4-H symbol on a black background
Jo Daviess County 4-H holds recognition event
Elizabeth, IL – On Sunday, November 5, 2023, over 100 volunteers, members, and families gathered at the Elizabeth Community Building for the annual Jo Daviess County 4-H Award and Volunteer Recognition Event. Together, they enjoyed an awards ceremony, program updates, and a variety of desserts...
4-H symbol on a black background
Winnebago County 4-H Recognition Event celebrates 4-H members and volunteers
ROCKFORD, IL- On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Winnebago County celebrated it’s 4-H members and volunteers at the annual Recognition Event.  This event was held at The Twisted Tulip in Machesney Park, which is owned by a 4-H alumni.  The Machine Shed provided appetizers and desserts....
Feedlot steers
2024 CERTIFIED LIVESTOCK MANAGER TRAINING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training Workshop (CLMT) schedule. The series of seven in-person workshops will kick off on January 30 in Springfield and conclude on February 8 in Pittsfield. These workshops...
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...
holly and pine sprigs on a burgundy background with snowflakes
Upcoming Class Offers Winter Decorating Tips
Do you enjoy gardening in containers? Are you disappointed when you have to put these containers away for the winter? If so, we have a class for you! Join the University of Illinois Extension and the Freeport Park District for “Evergreen Porch Pots” on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Krape...
Fresh vegetables being cut on a cutting board
Get your certified food protection manager certification
FREEPORT, Ill.---Americans love dining out. Whether we are celebrating a special occasion or simply eating on the go, eating out is very much a part of our lives. With an ever-growing number of individuals eating out, it is more important than ever to ensure consumers have exceptional, high-...
4H logo
Annual Stephenson County 4-H Awards & Volunteer Recognition Event
Freeport, IL – On Saturday, October 21, 2023, over 125 volunteers, members, and families gathered at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau building for the annual Stephenson County 4-H Award and Volunteer Recognition Event.  Together they enjoyed an awards ceremony, program updates, and a sweet...
Youth Leadership Conference
2023 Youth Leadership Conference: Discovering the Leader Within You!
ROCKFORD, IL- Have you always wanted to take charge of a fundraiser or committee at your school but weren’t sure how to get started?  Is there a need in your community that you really want to assist with?  Come and learn how you can get started in leadership right now.  There’s a...
medication safety
Youth medication safety workshop on October 26
ROCKFORD, IL- University of Illinois Extension 4-H and UIC College of Pharmacy will be offering a hands-on workshop on Thursday, October 26th. The workshop will be held at UIC College of Pharmacy in Rockford from 5:00- 6:15 pm.  Participants will learn the importance of proper storage and...
Far view of the scene of a farm fire.
Stay alert, be prepared for increased risk of farm fires during harvest
URBANA, Ill. — Severe drought and current environmental conditions have the Midwest on alert as fire risks are higher than usual during equipment rollout for corn and soybean harvest. From lack of precipitation to low soil moisture and dry vegetation, these conditions, when paired with hot,...