Calendar: Bi-State Crops Conference

COVINGTON, Ind. — The 2023 Bi-State Crops Conference will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Dec. 5 at the Beef House Restaurant, 16501 IN-63, Covington.

Cost is $30. Register at https://tinyurl.com/dx5axcu6.

Speakers will cover a variety of topics from weed control to nutrient loss:

• 10 a.m. — Weed Management Update: How to Plan for the 2024, Bill Johnson, professor of weed science, Purdue University.

• 11 a.m. — An Introduction to the Diverse Corn Belt Project, Dr. Carmen Blubaugh, agroecologist, University of Illinois.

• 11:30 a.m. — Managing the Storm: Farm Stress for Producers, Kurt Lanzone and Adam Tyler, Purdue Extension educators.

• 1 p.m. — Achieving Nutrient Loss Targets in Illinois and Indiana, Dr. Andrew Margenot, associate professor, University of Illinois.

• 2 p.m. — More Than Just Scouting with a Drone, Adam Shanks, digital agriculture and natural resources curriculum lead, Purdue Extension.

Sponsors are the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance. For more information, contact Jon Charlesworth at 765-762-3231 or charles6@purdue.edu.

Financial Tools

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Your Financial Tool Chest will be noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 6.

Discover helpful financial tools to help you achieve your goals, and keep your money safe and costs low.

Tools for Mechanics

DECATUR, Ill. — The 4-H program Basic Tools for Mechanics will be 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Macon County Extension office, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur.

As part of the new Ag Mechanics series, teens will learn about the tools mechanics use to work on engines.

Make and Take

VIOLA, Ill. — The 4-H Holiday Make and Take will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at The REC Center, 1703 14th St., Viola.

Youths ages 5 to 18 will make holiday gifts and treats. Participants are asked to bring three or more canned goods to support the 4-H Food Drive. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yck5639z.

The program will be repeated 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at the Rock Island County Extension office, 321 2nd Ave. W, Milan. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y8av957s.

Air Frying 101

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Air Frying 101: Holiday Edition will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Winnebago County Extension office, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

Put your air fryer to use this holiday season by making your favorite seasonal foods without the added mess and fat of traditional fried foods. Learn how air frying can be a healthy alternative to other cooking methods and the health benefits of limiting certain types of dietary fat. Participants will leave with recipes to try at home.

Healthier Holidays

PANA, Ill. — The program Make Your Holiday Season Healthier will be 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at Pana Community Hospital, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

Is the Elf on the Shelf hiding extra calories in your holiday foods? Join University of Illinois Extension and LiveWell Fitness in Pana to learn some tips to enjoy your favorites, along with a dash of physical activity. Unwrap some fun, festive holiday cooking ideas; learn quick substitutes, swaps, and the secrets to downsizing favorite family recipes; and make and taste test holiday recipes.

Farm Stress

URBANA, Ill. — The quarterly meeting of the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network will be 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7.

Ongoing efforts and initiatives by the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center provide farm stress and mental health programs to producers and workers in 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Participants in this virtual, quarterly meeting will get an overview of FRSAN; discover programs, resources, and services of the North Central regional network and specific partners; and join in a discussion about farm stress and mental health programs, resources, and services.

Candy Making

AUBURN, Ind. — Learn how to make candy with the DeKalb County Extension Homemakers, 6 p.m. ET Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 at the DeKalb County Office Building, 215 E. 9th St., Auburn.

The cost for both days is $15. Reserve a spot by calling Linda Wilson at 260-909-0358.

Fireside Chat

STERLING, Ill. — Fireside Chat with a Master Gardener will be 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Sterling Public Library, 102 W. 3rd St., Sterling.

The program will explain what master gardeners do. Refreshments will be provided. Register by calling the library, 815-625-1370.

Holiday Workshop

The 4-H Holiday Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at the Bureau County Extension office, 850 E. Thompson St., Princeton.

4-H members will create a variety of seasonal gifts that are perfect for gift giving. Register at https://tinyurl.com/296rj5ez.

Wreath Workshop

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The Holiday Wreath Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 9 at the Carlinville Public Library, 510 N. Broad St., Carlinville.

Build a beautiful wreath using natural materials such as fresh evergreens, foliage, pine cones and berries. Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4mre2kzk.

Hort for the Holidays

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Hort for the Holidays will be 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Winnebago County Extension office, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

Participants will create a simple star wreath using fresh greens, ribbons, and other decorations; and a nature-themed ornament.

Cost is $25, which includes greens, pine cones, wire and ribbon. Participants are encouraged to bring additional items to decorate wreaths. Refreshments will be provided.

Beef Meeting

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. — The Area 2 Indiana Beef Cattle Association and Purdue Beef Meeting will be noon to 3 p.m. ET Dec. 9 at Pewter Hall, 850 W. Sweet St., Brownstown.

The meeting for beef cattle producers in Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Orange, Scott, and Washington counties will feature information on a variety of beef topics. IBCA will provide an update on current policy and programs. Purdue Animal Sciences will also provide educational presentations.

RSVP by calling 812-275-4623 or emailing odavis@purdue.edu. This program is free thanks to sponsors Hoosier Energy and Indiana Soybean Alliance.