Lawn & Garden

Working with cattle and vegetables resulted in two Illinois FFA members receiving national Agricultural Proficiency Awards.

Many areas of the country are experiencing a very beautiful fall this year, with the trees providing plenty of color. With all those leaves now making their way to the ground, you may be asking yourself if you should rake or not.

On a recent afternoon when my son texted me to check in, I nimbly replied with sticky fingers, “I’m preoccupied with taking pics of pints of pickled…” While laughing at the preponderance of P’s, I accidentally pressed “send.” He immediately wrote back, “Pickled PEPPERS? … ha!”

Providing the opportunity for people to visit a farm is one of the passions for Triple M Farm: Mariah’s Mums & More. “We’re passionate about getting people out here firsthand to see we’re growing quality, safe products and to create experiences,” said Mariah Anderson.

I admit, our yard has gone wild since my husband and I became working parents. The awful “Creeping Charlie” weed from our neighbor’s lawn is, yes, creeping into our lawn after the 2020 derecho knocked down the trees that separated our yards.

Sadie “Grace” Nelson of Yorkville has been named a recipient of the Wayne Wackerlin Memorial Fund grant. The Wayne Wackerlin Memorial Fund was established by Wayne Wackerlin’s siblings to continue his love for agriculture and his entrepreneurial spirit.

Farmers, gardeners and anyone with interest in helping monarchs thrive can get involved with resources provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Will County Master Gardener Nancy Kuhajda said a meme is circulating social media that warns people to keep their car doors locked at night — otherwise, neighborhood gardeners might stuff the backseats full of produce.

When Fulton High School students return to school, they’ll be greeted by a garden in bloom and full of fresh, organic and colorful fruits and vegetables.

The migratory monarch butterfly is now listed as endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “Few species evoke the awe and wonder that the migratory monarch butterfly commands,” said Sean O’Brien, president and CEO of Nature Serve.

Johnson Tractor has announced the acquisition of Value Implement marking a significant expansion in the west-central Wisconsin market that will allow the company to serve all market segments, including consumer, construction and agriculture.

I don’t know a young child who doesn’t love a hammer. Watch when kids grab one tightly in both small hands, lift it high and pound. Thud! They see it do something. It might only be a nick on a board, or, if lucky, they’ll hit a nail square on.

Almost 100 area schoolchildren flocked to Jonamac Orchard for a summer day camp to learn all about farm safety and rural living from DeKalb County Farm Bureau.

The DeKalb County Community Gardens’ Sustainable Food Safari Kids Camp is scheduled to return July 27-28 and will feature opportunities to area children to learn about food growth.

Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value.