October 27, 2026

Calendar: Farm Bureau offers farm succession workshops

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Farm Bureau Farm Succession workshops will be offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Nov. 10 at the Farm Bureau home office, 225 S. East St., Indianapolis; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at Huntington University, 2303 College Ave., Huntington; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at Vincennes University, 1002 N. 1st St., Vincennes.

The family farm represents generations of hard work, values, and vision. Taking the next step in your farm transition plan can feel overwhelming — but you do not have to do it alone.

Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation invites farm families to participate in an in-depth workshop designed to help families begin meaningful conversations and make progress toward a successful farm transition.

This workshop is ideal for farm families ready to bring multiple generations together to discuss the future of the operation. Through guided sessions and dedicated family work time, you will have space to explore ideas, identify priorities, and move your transition planning forward.

Each workshop will be facilitated by Clint Fischer, a South Dakota attorney who specializes in helping farm families navigate the succession process. He brings practical experience and a family-centered approach to the challenging decisions involved in transitioning a farm to the next generation.

The cost to attend is $100 per family. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/455z2646.

Recycling Right

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Recycling Right will be 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at DuPage County Extension, 1100 E. Warrenville Road, Suite 170, Naperville.

Covered will be what belongs in the recycling bin, common recycling mistakes, and why contamination is such a challenge for the recycling system. Attendees will leave with simple tips and local resources to help them recycle with confidence and reduce contamination.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/578e9r4r. For questions contact Jamie Viebach at jviebach@illinois.edu or 630-955-1123.

Recognition of Excellence

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — McLean County Recognition of Excellence will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at Agricenter, 14171 Carole Drive, Bloomington.

Recognized during the presentation will be 4-H Leader of the Year, County Record Award winners, Illinois Experience Award winners, Mosbacher Scholarship recipients, Holder Scholarship recipients, and the Hall of Fame Award recipients.

Dinner will be provided by Redbird Catering. Canned food and toiletry items will be collected to share throughout McLean County.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/mtf363fm.

Opioid Crisis

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Beyond the Stigma: Conversations and Care in the Opioid Crisis will be noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 4.

Opioid-use disorder affects communities across Illinois and beyond. This session explores how stigma shapes conversations about substance use and whether people seek support and access treatment. Learn how attitudes and language can influence health outcomes and discover practical ways individuals and communities can reduce stigma and support recovery.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/37fkvnkx.

Achievement Night

SPARTA, Ill. — Randolph County 4-H Achievement Night will be 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Sparta VFW, 1911 N. Market St., Sparta.

Randolph County 4-H members will be honored for their hard work and accomplishments. Catch up with fellow 4-H families as awards are presented for the past year.

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

Healthy Houseplants

ELIZABETH, Ill. — Healthy Houseplants will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Nov. 4 at Jo Daviess County Extension, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Learn about the benefits of having houseplants, houseplant selection and care, and houseplant propagation. Each participant will leave with a houseplant start or cutting.

Cost is $15. Register by calling 815-858-2273 or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdhhud9b.

Achievement Night

PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. — Perry County Achievement Night will be 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at Perry County Extension, 203 N. Walnut St., Pinckneyville.

This event will celebrate the accomplishments of 4-H members.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ufzr8rb.

Rural Mental Health

QUINCY, Ill. — Rural Mental Health Workshops will be offered noon to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 5, and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at Adams County Extension, 330 S. 36th St., Quincy.

Mental health affects everyone, and understanding it is one of the most important ways we can strengthen our rural communities. Increased mental health awareness is especially important in rural areas, where isolation, stigma, and limited access to services can make it difficult for individuals to seek help.

The Rural Mental Health Workshop is a free educational program designed to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and wellness in rural communities. Participants will explore what mental health really means, discuss the challenges and protective factors associated with rural life, and learn practical strategies and resources that support personal and community wellbeing.

This workshop is appropriate for Illinois Extension volunteers, community members, and anyone interested in learning more about mental health in rural areas. Current Illinois Extension volunteer participation may count toward volunteer professional development requirements.

A complimentary meal will be provided at each workshop. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yd35kdrx.

4-H Open House

NASHVILLE, Ill. — Find Your Spark 4-H Open House will be 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at Washington County Extension, 9623 Wall St., Nashville.

Youth ages 5-18 and their families are invited to explore all that 4-H has to offer. Participants will meet local 4-H members and volunteers; learn about clubs, projects, camps, and events; and explore club displays and exhibits.

There will be hands-on activities, make-and-take projects, snacks and giveaways.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/r3absmdc.

All About Hibernation

AROMA PARK, Ill. — All About Hibernation will be 10 a.m. Nov. 6 at Shannon Bayou, 3301 Waldron Road, Aroma Park.

Through hands-on activities and crafts, young learners will discover how hibernation and other amazing adaptations help animals make it through the winter.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/49cwmxuz.

Achievement Night

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Jackson County 4-H Achievement Night and Multicultural Potluck will be 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at Murphysboro Youth and Recreation Center, 1818 Walnut St., Murphysboro.

Throughout the evening, participants can sample a variety of foods, mingle with others, enjoy games and congratulate Jackson County 4-H members on their achievements.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2u8y5vsv.

Pumpkin Smash

Pumpkin Smash will be 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at Advocate Sherman Hospital, 1425 N. Randall Road, Elgin.

Participants will launch their pumpkins into a compost pile and enjoy free cider and doughnuts.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/ywcx2m34.

Fall Tree ID Hike

HENNEPIN, Ill. — Fall Tree ID Hike will be 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, 6377 IL-26, Hennepin.

Explore Dixon Waterfowl Refuge during this guided fall hike focused on tree identification. Practice using leaves, bark, branches and buds to identify common tree species while enjoying the colors and beauty of the season. This hands-on program will help participants build observation skills and confidence in recognizing trees throughout the year.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yyrt4cwb.

Pumpkin Smash

MACOMB, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at Veterans Park, 1800 E. University Drive, Macomb.

Green up Halloween by recycling pumpkins into compost at this free event.

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

Pumpkin Smash

DIXON, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

Smash stations and activities will be provided by Illinois Extension, Whiteside Area Career Center, 4-H, Ag in the Classroom, FFA and Sauk Valley Community College. Smashed pumpkins will be tilled into a field to be composted and create nutrients for next year’s crop.

For questions, contact event coordinator Bruce Black at brucejb@illinois.edu or 815-632-3611. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/37dkb965.

Pumpkin Smash

DECATUR, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at Fairview Pool parking lot, 2640 N. Fairview Ave., Decatur.

Bring your pumpkins to smash, participate in games and challenges, and learn about composting.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2sms96mx.

Pumpkin Smash

CHICAGO, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W. 111th St., Chicago.

For questions, contact event coordinator Whitney Baldwin at whitneyb@illinois.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4wduxyk4.

Pumpkin Smash

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/2rzmxbjc.

Pumpkin Smash

FLOSSMOOR, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at Coyote Run Golf Course, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/y9xmb7cw.

Pumpkin Smash

CHICAGO — Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 at Plant Chicago, 4459 S. Marshfield Ave., Chicago.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/fhbe4m3k.

Pumpkin Smash

CHICAGO — Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at Lakeview High School, 4015 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/pzdvv4ub.

Pumpkin Smash

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at Lake Katherine Nature Center, 7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/mw9chsrk.

4-H Awards Reception

MONTICELLO, Ill. — DeWitt, Macon and Piatt County 4-H Awards Reception will be 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 at Monticello Community Building, 201 N. State St., Monticello.

There will be light refreshments and fun activities. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bp62pbt6.

Pumpkin Smash

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 7 at Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford.

Enjoy a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, where you can smash your pumpkin.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/4h47m3c8.

4-H Family Fun Day

HILLSBORO, Ill. — 4-H Family Fun Day will be 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at Montgomery County Extension, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

Enjoy hands-on activities, games and seasonal fun. You do not have to be a 4-H member to participate.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2s39xa3t.

Woodland Conference

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — Indiana Woodland Owner Conference will be 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Nov. 7 at Silos@37, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.

Topics will include: Digital Forestry Tools for Landowners, Indiana Deer Populations and Management, and Prescribed Fire Tools for Landowners.

The conference is a great way to connect with other landowners around the state and learn ideas to try on your property.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/28vrwcrt.

Smashin’ Pumpkins

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — Smash it, don’t trash it! Zionsville Parks and Recreation invites you to Smashin’ Pumpkins: A Pumpkin Smash & Composting Bash, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET Nov. 7 at Mulberry Fields Park, 9645 Whitestown Road, Zionsville.

Highlights include: Smashin’ Station, The Epic Pumpkin Drop, courtesy of Zionsville Fire Department’s ladder truck; composting education and demonstrations; kid-friendly games; and food trucks.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/bjra3s2y.

Grade-Sawing Logs

AKRON, Ind. — The Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association will host the Hardwood University class on Grade-Sawing Hardwood Logs, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Nov. 18 at Pike Lumber Company, 719 Front St., Akron.

Learn about the theory and practice of sawing hardwood logs into lumber. Participants will observe external characteristics affecting lumber quality and measurement of selected logs; discuss decisions made at head saw, resaw, edger, and trimmer that affect the lumber grade; and cut logs on a portable sawmill to observe the process in practice and evaluate the impact of right/wrong decisions.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/27y7ubhk.

Ag Leadership

LEBANON, Ind. — Indiana Farm Bureau Crossroads of Ag Leadership Summit will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Nov. 20 at Boone County Fairgrounds, Farm Bureau Building, 300 E. 100 S., Lebanon.

The program is designed to elevate your skills, expand your influence, and surround you with a powerful network of leaders who are driving progress across Indiana agriculture. Whether you are early in your leadership career or well-seasoned leader, you will benefit from attending. This event is in partnership with AgriInstitute and Agribusiness Council of Indiana.

Cost $50 per person. Register at https://tinyurl.com/47uymssp. For more information, contact Dustin Homan at dhoman@infb.org or 317-692-7183.

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.