U of I Extension: Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion & Washington Counties

01/27/2026

4-H Members - Get ready for a day of sharp thinking, confident speaking, and all things equine! Join us on Sunday, February 1 at Black Hawk College’s Galva East Campus for the 2026 Illinois 4‑H State Horse Judging Contest. Whether you're passionate about horses or eager to build skills like decision‑making and teamwork, this friendly competition is the perfect place to learn, grow, and shine. Saddle up for an unforgettable 4‑H experience!
Registration closes January 28!

Join us Sunday, February 1 for the 2026 State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on the Galva, IL East campus of Black Hawk College!

4-H members are invited to learn about horses all while developing life skills such as objective reasoning, decision-making, public speaking, and teamwork at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest. The primary objective of these contests is to provide an opportunity for youth to demonstrate their knowledge of equine-related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail.

The contest starts at 1pm! Register by January 28 at go.illinois.edu/4HHorseJudging. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the State 4-H Office.

01/27/2026

Youth voices matter—and we want to hear yours! Ready to amplify your impact?
Complete the training for a chance at special speaking opportunities and future Legislative Connection events!

Youth voices matter!

Illinois 4-H is offering a virtual Speaking for Illinois 4-H training on Monday, February 9, from 7–8:30 p.m. Youth ages 14 and up will learn how to confidently share their 4-H story with elected officials, community leaders, donors, and volunteers. Participants who complete the training may be invited to special speaking opportunities and are eligible to take part in Legislative Connection events.

Register by Monday, February 9, at 1 p.m. by heading to go.illinois.edu/SFIL4H.

This is the final training before Legislative Connection 2026 (April 14–15).

if you need reasonable accommodation to attend, please contact the State 4-H Office.

01/27/2026

Due to inclement weather, University of Illinois Extension offices in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties are closed today, Tuesday, January 27. Staff will be available by email.

01/26/2026

Understanding your income and taxes can be helpful with financial planning. Before making a spending plan, you need to know how much income you expect. A beginning step in financial planning is anticipating how much take-home pay you will earn. Use the information from your Form W-2 to start your financial plan for the year.

Read more at: https://go.illinois.edu/FFB2501

01/26/2026

Due to inclement weather, University of Illinois Extension offices in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties are closed today, Monday, January 26. Staff will be available by email.

01/26/2026

Due to inclement weather, University of Illinois Extension offices in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties are closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26. Staff will be available by email.

01/25/2026

Are you looking for answers to questions about your pastureland? Join Illinois Extension at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 at the Marion County Extension Office (1404 E Main St., Salem, IL) for a Pasture Management Workshop. State specialists will be there to bring the latest science and solutions from University of Illinois to our local farmers. The workshop will focus on foundational principles and innovative management tools to strengthen pasture health and forage. The session will conclude with a Q&A, so participants can engage directly with experts and get answers to their operational questions. This workshop is free and light refreshments will be served.

Register here - go.illinois.edu/PastureManagement

01/24/2026

It's about that time again! Beef Weigh-In dates are set for the 2026 4-H Shows! Contact your local Illinois Extension Office with any questions.

Starting at 8 a.m. on January 31: Washington County Beef Weigh-In
Starting at 7 a.m. on February 7: Marion County Beef Weigh-In
Starting at 9 a.m. on February 7: Bond County Beef Weigh-In
Starting at 5 p.m. on February 13: Jefferson County Beef Weigh-In
Starting at 8 a.m. on February 14: Clinton County Beef Weigh-In

01/23/2026

Adventure awaits at the Illinois 4‑H Junior Leadership Conference! Junior high 4‑H’ers (7th–8th grade) are invited to explore the wilds of leadership through hands‑on communication, teamwork, and decision‑making challenges.
March 7–8 | Springfield, IL
Swing into action—log into ZSuite and register before these spots.
Save your spot: https://go.illinois.edu/jlc_26
Let’s grow together in the leadership jungle!

Only a few spots left!

Join us for the Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference, an exciting event that invites junior high 4-H members in 7th and 8th grades to explore the wilds of leadership. Dive into a jungle of opportunities and embark on an adventure that develops your communication, decision-making, and teamwork skills through hands-on activities.

Mark your calendars for March 7-8 in Springfield. There are limited spots left, so swing into action, log into ZSuite, and register today!

Visit https://go.illinois.edu/jlc_26 to secure your spot. Let’s grow together in the leadership jungle!

01/22/2026

Here is a list of upcoming testing locations for private pesticide applicators and operators. These are testing sites only! See more information online at https://agr.illinois.gov/pesticides/in-person-testing.html

Seats are limited, so don't delay!

Private Applicator Testing Dates
9 am-Noon on Tuesday, January 27
9 am-Noon on Wednesday, February 4
9 am-Noon on Tuesday, March 10
9 am-Noon on Wednesday, March 11

01/19/2026

Illinois Extension Offices will be closed today, Monday, January 19, for the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Regular office hours will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20.