Ag News — The Villagers Voice

October Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

September 30, 2026 by Kathy Sands

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for October. State parks, historic sites, and museums have events throughout the month, and the fall is a great time to explore the outdoors and the start of hunting season. October is National Hunting and Fishing Month.

Oct. 1

Fall archery deer and turkey hunting opens

Statewide

Fall archery hunting for deer and turkey opens statewide. Learn more about season regulations and dates on the Hunt Illinois website.

Oct. 1

Creepy Crawlies

Volo Bog State Natural Area

McHenry | McHenry County

Learn about, observe, and meet live snakes, spiders and insects. Follow Volo Bog State Natural Area on Facebook for additional details.

[Read more...]

SWCD Fish Sale Deadline Coming Soon

September 30, 2026 by Kathy Sands

Fish delivery is scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, October 8, at the USDA Service Center parking lot. Orders will be taken through Monday, October 5. Several type of fish are available, including channel catfish, hybrid bluegill, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, fathead minnows, black crappie, and grass carp. The deadline for grass carp has passed. Fish will be bagged, so pond water is not needed. [Read more...]

Summer wrap-up program offers insight on fall garden tasks and food preservation safety

September 3, 2026 by Kathy Sands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ELDORADO, Ill. – For many, the summer garden season is ending, but that doesn’t mean the work is done. There are many things you can do now to set your garden and pantry up for success over the winter.

On Sept. 22, join Extension to learn tips and resources for wrapping up the summer garden and ensuring the safety of your preserved harvest. Local Food Systems and Small Farms educator Bronwyn Aly will walk through end-of-summer garden tasks and cleanup. She’ll also cover the benefits of cover crops for home or community gardens, including the timing and crop types that work best for your space.

Lizz Cooley-Questelle, health and community wellness educator, will provide resources about food preservation and food safety. Whether you freeze or can, it's important to store your preserved items properly for your health and the health of those you share them with. Information will be provided about proper storage and timely use of home-preserved items. [Read more...]

Local event offers insight into fall’s most popular plant

August 24, 2026 by Kathy Sands

Typing the address for Friendly Farms into a GPS may leave visitors wondering if they have arrived at the correct location. Yet just beyond the residence situated off a rural stretch of highway in Pope County lies an impressive operation: meticulously cultivated mums arranged in neat, vibrant rows behind the family home.

Known for its large Yoder and Belgium chrysanthemums, Friendly Farms was the final stop for the Summer Twilight Series hosted by Illinois Extension. The monthly series offered four unique on-farm learning experiences throughout the growing season, each highlighting a diverse farming operation in southern Illinois. [Read more...]

Crop Tour Shows County’s Average Corn is 182.3 Bushels Per Acre

August 19, 2026 by Kathy Sands

Consistency" is the overall sentiment of the 2026 White County Crop Tour

Farmers braved the late summer rain as they trudged through White County fields on Wednesday, August 19 to assess this year’s corn crop. Farmers reported above-average yields throughout the county, though some reported minor pollination issues in a few fields. The overall sentiment of the participants was that this year’s crop is one of the more consistent in recent memory. This year’s White County Crop Tour was sponsored by the White County Farm Bureau, York Ridge Agency LLC, Peoples National Bank, and Consolidated Grain & Barge.

“It’s probably one of the most consistent samples that we’ve done,” commented Kent Williams, who toured Hawthorne Township east of Carmi. “Some disease was present, but not excessive. We did see some pollination issues in one field, but overall, it was a consistently good sample.”

[Read more...]

White County Hunter Safety Course Offered, Registration Started

August 3, 2026 by Kathy Sands

Area residents will have an opportunity to learn the basic principles of safe hunting by participating in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Certification Course.

New this year! The course will be offered in a two-day workshop format:

Friday, August 14 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 15 | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Classes will be held at the University of Illinois Extension Office. [Read more...]

Get ready for the autumn season by enjoying the Summer Twilight Series at Friendly Farms!

July 28, 2026 by Kathy Sands

This summer has brought together people from all walks of life to explore and deepen their appreciation for the diverse agricultural landscape of southern Illinois through the Summer Twilight Series. Illinois Extension looks forward to the final installment of the series with a look at fall.

On Aug. 17, the series will wrap up at Friendly Farms in Eddyville. From a half-acre pumpkin patch in 2018 to producing thousands of mums, the farm has grown significantly. This session will highlight the farm's growth and production practices, marketing and sales, the challenges it has faced, and future expansion plans. [Read more...]

Summer Twilight Series highlights value-added products from southern Illinois

June 30, 2026 by Kathy Sands

Illinois Extension is continuing its Summer Twilight Series, bringing together farmers, educators, and community members each month to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture.

On July 20, the series will convene at Pink Tiger Farm in Goreville. The farm began five years ago when owners Brian Elias and Kyle McAdams left their busy Chicago careers to pursue a shared dream of farming. Believing that products on store shelves often lack true flavor, they are committed to growing and producing high-quality products right here in Southern Illinois.

Learn how the farm's heirloom peppers and herbs are transformed into spices and seasonings that add flavor to any dish. In addition, Pink Tiger collaborates with other local farmers to produce value-added products such as hot honey and infused vinegars. The farm is committed not only to growing its business but also to supporting others and giving back to the local community. [Read more...]