March 24, 2026

Calendar: Pairing solar development with active agriculture

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The webinar Land Stewardship: Agrivoltaics for Indiana will be 1 to 2 p.m. ET April 9.

Agrivoltaics, pairing solar development with active agriculture, offers new pathways for keeping land productive, resilient, and economically viable. This landowner-focused webinar explores how dual-use systems can support long-term farm viability while preserving working lands.

Framed through a land stewardship lens, the conversation will highlight how agrivoltaics can expand land access, create operational flexibility, and strengthen farm resilience, while also opening opportunities for soil health, restoration, and regenerative practices.

Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how agrivoltaics can complement existing operations, align with landowner goals, and support resilient rural landscapes across Indiana.

Featured speakers will be Greg Gunthorp, owner, operator of Gunthorp Farms, La Grange, Ind.; and Kevin Richardson, senior director of the American Solar Grazing Association.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/32sttb27.

QLC Training

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Allen County 4-H Quality Livestock Care in-person training will be 10 to 11 a.m. ET, and 1 to 2 p.m. March 30 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

QLC training is required for those showing beef, dairy beef, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep or swine at the Allen County Fair in June.

Cost is $3. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3bernfpu.

Poultry Judging

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Lake County 4-H Poultry Judging Workshop will be 6 to 7 p.m. CT March 30 at Lake County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building, 899-857 Lake St., Crown Point.

The workshop is open to 4-H members wanting to judge poultry in the State Judging Contest May 2. For questions, contact Patti Nichols at 219-306-7845 or at iramewe@aol.com. Visit https://tinyurl.com/53sh2edm.

Keeping Up with Cottage Food

HARRISBURG, Ill. — Keeping Up with Cottage Food will be 6 to 8 p.m. March 31 at Southeastern Illinois College, 3575 College Road, Harrisburg.

Do you want to learn how to sell your homemade goods and become a cottage food seller? Are you an established seller and want to stay up to date on the latest requirements? Join Illinois Extension for an evening of information, meet other cottage food sellers, and get answers to your questions. Topics will include an overview of the cottage food law, how to become a seller, and resources from the health department.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/hrjvk4m8.

Carbohydrates Class

PANA, Ill. — Carbohydrates Made Simple will be 10:30 a.m. to noon March 31 at Pana Community Hospital, Community Meeting Room, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

This class will break down what carbohydrates are, how much your body needs, and where to find them on a Nutrition Facts label. There also will be a hands-on preparation of simple, low-carbohydrate recipes.

Register by calling 217-562-6231. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/z39dp7f5.

Can That Jam

HILLSBORO, ill. — Can that Strawberry Jam will be 9 to 11 a.m. April 2 at First Baptist Church, 209 School St., Morrisonville.

Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson will demonstrate to children ages 8 to 18 how to make strawberry jam using pectin and safely preserving it through water bath canning. This class is great for kids new to canning or just looking for a refresher. Each participant will take home a jar of homemade strawberry jam and receive other recipes.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yrmvu349.

The class also will be offered 1 to 3 p.m. April 2 at Montgomery County Extension, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro. Register at Register at https://tinyurl.com/mttxadp8.

Landscaping with Nature

BLUFFTON, Ind. — Landscaping with Nature will be 1 to 3 p.m. ET Thursdays, April 2-April 23, at Ouabache State Park Lodge, 4930 IN-201, Bluffton.

Session topics will include Landscaping with Native Plants, Pollinator-Friendly Landscaping, Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping, and Managing Invasive Species.

Participants will receive information, hear from experts, and learn/share with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Cost is $20. Register by calling 260-824-6412. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yjueejss.

Indoor Gardens

PRINCETON, Ill. — Indoor Edible Gardens will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 2 at Princeton Public Library, 698 E. Peru St., Princeton.

Gardening is not limited to outside in the summer. Learn how to grow your own fresh herbs, salad greens, and more any time of the year.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yw9xkv6y.

4-H Livestock Skillathon

NASHVILLE, Ill. — 4-H Livestock Skillathon and Animal Science Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 3 at Washington County Extension, 9623 Wall St., Nashville.

A variety of interactive activities will include identifying livestock breeds, identifying livestock equipment and tools, judging meat cuts, interpreting feed tags and animal health labels, and identifying types of feed.

Cost is $5 and pizza lunch will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/465vsjhz.

Steps to a Healthy You

WASHINGTON, Ind. — Steps to a Healthy You will be 10 a.m. to noon ET Fridays, April 3-April 24 at Daviess County Extension, 300 E. Hefron St., Suite 119, Washington.

This four-session program is designed to empower individuals with practical skills for healthier living. Research shows that two-thirds of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be prevented through lifestyle changes, especially healthy eating patterns and regular physical activity. The Mediterranean-style eating pattern has proven to be particularly effective in reducing the risk and impact of chronic disease.

This program offers a practical approach to healthy eating, combining food demonstrations with mindfulness techniques to support behavior change. Each session focuses on a different aspect of building healthier habits:

• Understanding the Mediterranean-style eating pattern: its benefits and how to adopt it.

• Making healthy food choices and increasing the frequency of nutritious meals.

• Cooking with healthy fats and enhancing flavor with herbs and spices.

• Reducing added sugars and limiting highly processed foods.

• Practicing mindful eating to support long-term success.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/54uvydrn.

Agriculture Careers

LITCHFIELD, Ill. — 4-H Agriculture Career Exploration Trip will be 9 a.m. to noon April 6 at Corteva Agriscience, 18259 W. Frontage Road, Litchfield.

Participants will travel to Corteva Agriscience in Litchfield for a hands-on tour learning about soybean and wheat crop production. Next, they will visit Worksaver Inc. to learn about implements and equipment used in agriculture. The tours will highlight careers, trends, and technology related to the ag field. Members will learn firsthand from professionals currently working in the agriculture industry.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3tz3b89k.

QLC Training

SALEM, Ind. — Washington County 4-H Quality Livestock Care training will be 6 to 7 p.m. ET April 6 at Washington Count Extension, 806 Martinsburg Road, Salem.

QLC training is required for those showing beef, dairy beef, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep or swine at the county or state fair.

Register by calling the Extension office at 812-883-4601. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/52vkn5n3.

Buying and Selling Online

PORTAGE, Ind.— Digital Skill Lessons: Buying and Selling Online will be noon to 1 p.m. CT April 7 at NEO Education, 5201 US-6, Portage.

The workshop is designed for those considering using an online platform to purchase or sell goods or services. Through real-life examples, the advantages and disadvantages will be discussed so participants can make a more informed choice in their buying and selling decisions.

Reputable platforms and digital payment methods will be shared along with recommendations to keep yourself and your accounts safe.

For more information, email jnisevich@optionsined.org or visit https://tinyurl.com/464t6zv9.

Butterfly Garden

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The online program Growing a Butterfly Garden: Illinois Butterflies and Their Host Plants will be 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. April 7.

Butterflies use a variety of plants for nectar, but often their caterpillars are pickier. Learn about the benefits of using native plants to attract more butterflies to your yard and which ones will give you the most bang for your ecological buck.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4n7j5bpv.

Livestock Emergency First Responder Training

GOSHEN, Ind. — Livestock Emergency First Responder Training will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET April 7 at Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, Fair Board Room, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

Hands-on training will teach first responders how to manage livestock incidents, such as trailer accidents and loose animals. Participants will learn animal behavior, scene safety, and containment techniques applicable to various animal-related emergencies.

To register for this free program, contact Kathryn Jennings at 574-533-0554 or email jennin30@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/42kjcws5.

Feed the Soil

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — The online program Compost: Feed the Soil That Feeds Us will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 8.

Merleanne Rampale from Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, a long-time gardener and composter, will share information on the various types of composting, share some fun facts on composting in general, and talk about the many benefits and impact it has on our soil and environment.

Gardeners also will learn about adventures, events, and opportunities taking place locally and across Illinois during this year’s celebration of International Compost Awareness Week in May. These include Compost Givebacks (free compost), garden tours, backyard and large-scale composting demos, plant sales (including native), bin-building demos, vineyard tours/tastings, compost bin giveaways, plant and seed giveaways, activities for kids and families, and farm festivals.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/5bxnsrv6.

Birch Trees in the Landscape

CROWN POINT, Ind. — Explore the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of birch trees in landscapes and natural settings, 6 to 7:30 p.m. CT April 8 at Lake County Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point.

Register by calling 219-755-3240. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/485t78bw.

Spring Wreath Workshop

DECATUR, Ill. — Spring Wreath Workshop will be 2 to 3 p.m. April 9 at Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St., Decatur.

Create your own spring wreath in this hands-on workshop with Macon County master gardeners. Learn simple design techniques and take home a beautiful wreath to welcome spring. Materials will be provided.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3fyczfkc.

April in Paris

Paris, Ill. — April in Paris Gardening Seminar will be 8:30 a.m. to noon April 9 at Lake Ridge Christian Church, 122 E. Steidl Road, Paris.

This year’s speakers and subjects are:

• Robb Sparks of Sparks Floral Co. — Daylilies: The Indestructible Plant for the Home Garden.

• Chris Lueking, Illinois Extension agriculture and natural resources educator — Backyard Greenhouses.

• Mauri Ditzler, Ditzler Orchard — Strawberries: Nature Always Wins But Don’t Let That Keep You from Trying.

• Jennifer Fishburn, Illinois Extension horticulture educator — Planting for Late Summer and Fall Colors in the Garden.

Cost is $30, and includes breakfast. Register at https://tinyurl.com/486hfpfy.

A Taste of Lamb

SALEM, Ind. — The Washington County Sheep Association is hosting A Taste of Lamb, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET April 10 at Southern Hills Church, 1645 IN-135, Salem.

A Taste of Lamb will feature the popular lamb cook-off. Attendees will enjoy several lamb dishes, prepared with locally raised lamb, and vote for their favorite. Prizes will be awarded to the three dishes with the most votes. Attendees will learn about preparing lamb and will take home recipes.

The cost is $10 per person, paid at the door. Reservations are required by calling 812-883-4601. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdz95jw6.

AgriNews Staff

AgriNews Staff

The Illinois AgriNews and Indiana AgriNews staff is in the field each week, covering topics that affect local farm families and their businesses. We give readers information they can’t get elsewhere to help them make better farming decisions.