Calendar: ‘Foraging Profitability’ theme of Illinois Dairy Summit

FREEPORT, Ill. — Foraging Profitability will be the theme of the 2026 Illinois Dairy Summit, 10:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Feb. 4 at Highland Community College Student Conference Center, 2998 W Pearl City Road, Freeport.

Speaker topics will include:

• Digestibility of Rye Grass, Phil Cardoso, professor, Extension dairy specialist, University of Illinois

• Disease Management of Field Crops, Damon Smith, professor, University Wisconsin

• Illinois Department of Public Health Update, Guy Sprouls, IDPH Dairy Program manager

• Foraging Profitability, Derek Nolan, teaching assistant professor, Extension dairy specialist, University of Illinois

• Cover Crop Usage in Dairy Production, panel discussion

The event also will feature lunch with raffles, sponsor introductions, and booth visits.

Register by email at contact@illinoismilk.org or call 309-557-3703. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3859ct8t.

Garden Helpline

LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Online Garden & Natural Resource Helpline Training will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 29.

Want to help people grow gardens or preserve natural spaces? Learn how to field plant-clinic calls, diagnose garden issues, and guide gardeners with research-backed advice.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3a7efdrt.

Global Gourmet

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Global Gourmet: Africa will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Jackson County Extension, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Participants ages 8 to 18 will make Saladi Ya Matunda, an African tropical fruit salad.

Each Global Gourmet session features a dish from a different country, helping kids learn about cultures, traditions, and the stories behind the food.

This event is free for 4-H members and $5 for nonmembers. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ehjrs4n5.

Winter Sowing

OTTAWA, Ill. — Winter Sowing Natives Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 31 at Nell’s Woodland, 2000 Alexis Ave., Ottawa.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to start native seeds outdoors during winter using simple containers like milk jugs. Learn about the benefits of native plants, tips for caring for seeds through the season, and how to successfully transplant seedlings in the spring.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n75jtys.

Seed Swap

AURORA, Ill. — The Seed Swap will be 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 31 at Aurora Public Library, 101 S. River St., Aurora.

Bring seeds to share if you have them and go home with new seeds to try. DuPage County master gardeners will be available to answer questions.

There also will be a Garden Story Time at 10 a.m., and a kid-friendly craft event from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/nhca7v7a.

4-H Federation Party

DANVILLE, Ill. — The Vermilion County 4-H Federation Party will be 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at Vermilion County Extension, 3164 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Eighth-graders and above will learn about 4-H Federation and how it makes a positive impact in the community. Hands‑on activities will include candle-making and cookie decorating.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2dtfebxk.

State Horse Judging

GALVA, Ill. — The 2026 State Horse Judging Contest will be 1 p.m. Feb. 1 at Black Hawk College East Campus, 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva.

Participants will judge six classes of horses, at least two being halter classes. Participants 14 and older may also participate in oral reasons following the classes. For those not participating in the oral reasons class, one questions class will be required. Top-placing senior division youth will be invited to participate in an invitational judging contest after which the national team will be determined.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/yr74zjw9.

PARP Program

GOSHEN, Ind. — The Purdue Extension Private Applicator Recertification Program will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET Feb. 3 at Wakarusa Produce Auction, 65490 CR 9, Goshen.

PARP session topics and speakers will include:

• Herbicide Selection for Multiple Produce Crop Species & Effectiveness — Ben Phillips, Michigan State Extension

• Watermelon and Cantaloupe Production — Wenjing Guan, Purdue Extension

• Eyes on the Field: Disease Scouting in Diverse Vegetable Crops — César Escalante, Purdue Extension

• Endangered Species Pesticide Label Regulatory Topic — Mark Evans, Purdue Extension

Cost is $10. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4pcefe2f.

Floral Design

OREGON, Ill. — The Floral Design Class will be 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 3 at Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., Oregon.

In this beginner-friendly class, participants will learn how to create beautiful, professional-looking arrangements using simple techniques and thoughtful design. Discover tips on flower selection, color combinations, and styling methods that will make your blooms shine — whether for gifts, décor, or personal enjoyment.

Call the Rock River Center to register at 815-732-3252. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/m82kr6ve.

Agronomy Summit

WATERLOO, Ill. — The Southwestern Agronomy Summit will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 3 at Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo.

The event will provide producers with the latest agronomic research updates and equip them with information that will empower them in their farm decision-making. Continuing education units are available for certified crop advisers.

Cost is $25 and includes all presentations, light refreshments, and lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4yyxzm7k.

Farming with Wildlife

HENRY, Ill. — Farming with Wildlife will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 3 at Marshall-Putnam County Extension, 509 Front St., Henry.

This Sustainability on the Farm program will include information on conservation practices that support wildlife on agricultural land, with a focus on bird habitat, while also addressing deer and pollinator considerations.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4kbj6hvs.

Chainsaw Safety

URBANA, Ill. — Chainsaw Safety and Pruning Young Trees will be the topics of the Community Tree Care Series webinar, 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 3.

The chainsaw safety program will emphasize the importance of personal protective equipment, situational awareness, and safe practices before and during operations with visual examples of safe felling cuts, kickback zones, and field procedures to promote both safety and efficiency in chainsaw use.

Also, learn how proper pruning early in a tree’s life can drastically reduce the risk of canopy failure or hazard development from structurally unsound limbs.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdct2rrh.

Agronomy Summit

OGLESBY, Ill. — The Oglesby Agronomy Summit will be 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby.

Summit presentations will include:

• Biostimulants, Biologicals, Biofertilizers: Reviewing the Market and Tips for Their Use

• Agricultural Mental Health: Extension Resources for Individuals and Communities

• Pesticide Regulatory Update for Illinois Farmers

• Nitrogen and Sulfur Management Update

• Dealing with Wind and Water in Illinois

Cost is $30 and includes all presentations, light refreshments, and lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/46kxj9ha. For questions, contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-224-0896.

Illinois Reptiles

NORTH UTICA, Ill. — Scales & Tails: Reptiles of the Prairie State will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Utica Public Library, 224 Mill St., North Utica.

Illinois is home to a surprising variety of reptiles. Learn about their habitats, behaviors, and adaptations at this fun and informative session where participants will explore the snakes, turtles, and lizards of the Prairie State. A master naturalist volunteer will lead this session and share photos and stories from local sightings near Starved Rock State Park.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2xfa85zj.

Hunting Expo

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo will be Feb. 27-March 1 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis.

The Midwest’s premier hunting expo offers the latest and greatest gear, information, outfitters and inspiration to last an entire season. This event brings together top vendors, experienced outfitters and knowledgeable experts from across the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore new products and learn proven hunting strategies.

New this year is Archery Alley, featuring manufacturers, retailers and demo lanes.

Show hours are noon to 8 p.m. ET Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 28, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1.

Visit the website at https://indianadeerandturkeyexpo.com/.

Volunteer Workshop

DANVILLE, Ind. — The Indiana 4-H Dog Volunteers Workshop will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Feb. 28 at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville.

New and seasoned 4-H Dog Project volunteers, judges, and trainers will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and network with each other statewide. 4-H youth members must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration includes lunch, resource packet and a day of learning with fun. Register at https://tinyurl.com/39skne2k.

Internal Parasite Management

GOSHEN, Ind. — The Internal Parasite Management program will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET March 21 at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, Beef/Dairy Arena, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen.

Struggling with parasite control in your flock or herd? Learn strategies to effectively manage internal parasites (worms) and reduce the risk of dewormer resistance on your farm.

Following the presentation, participants will take part in a hands-on session on the use of FAMACHA cards — a practical tool to determine whether animals need treatment or are healthy.

The program fee is $30 per person payable by cash or check at the door. The fee covers the cost of a FAMACHA card. To register, call Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yvt279tb.

Beyond Ready to Show Livestock

MADISON, Ind. — The Beyond Ready to Show Livestock program will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET March 28 at the Jefferson County 4-H Fairgrounds, 3767 W. SR 256, Madison.

4-H youth in grades 3-12 will receive coaching from livestock judges and Purdue University Block and Bridle students on how to exhibit cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry and rabbits. Participants also will participate in an Animal Science Career Exploration workshop in which they can network with professionals in the animal science industry around southeastern Indiana.

The last hour of the day will feature Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training which is required to exhibit animals in 4-H.

Lunch and Quality Livestock Care Training fees are included in the registration cost. The registration fee of $10 can be paid at the door in cash or check made out to Purdue University. Registration is required on 4-H online events by March 20.

Last year, 110 participants attended the program. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay the duration of the program and to have lunch for $5 per adult.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/55v7dbfp.