The Central Illinois Farm Network

5-16-12

         HEYWORTH - The Heyworth agriculture education classes got to witness, first hand, how to plant a corn field this week.

        "The job of planting has become more technical than ever before, farmers today use the latest technology to closely monitor their performance in the field," said Chad Colby, Sales and Marketing Manager for Cross Implement in Minier.

         Colby brought over a tractor and planter to plant the Heyworth FFA corn demonstration plot on Monday. He showed the students all of the changes in planting technology over the past few years.

        "Each student got to ride and learn," said Jestun Nutter, Heyworth FFA advisor at Heyworth High School.

         FFA members were shown how the auto steer works on a tractor. Also, the students learned about all of the satellites communicating with the tractor, causing it to drive itself through a field. Each student was able to take a tractor ride - but not an ordinary tractor ride, as they were able to witness how to manage all aspects of planting.

5-1-12

          HEYWORTH - The Heyworth FFA students, in cooperation with Central Illinois seed corn dealers and Cross Implement of Minier will plant a 23 acre test plot in southern McLean County.

         Students organize the preparation, planting, monitoring, and harvesting of the crop. Last year, the Heyworth FFA received 2^nd place in the statewide Illinois Soybean Associaton 2011 Yield Challenge.

        This year the chapter will be planting a corn crop. A display of the tractor and planter provided by local John Deere dealer Cross Implement, along with student activites, will be at the Heyworth High School, 308 W Cleveland (US 136)  in Heyworth.

         The test plot is located along the north bound lanes of US 51 at 620 North Road, near the town of Randolph (4.5 miles north of Heyworth). The display and student activites will be available at the high school from 9:00am to 2:30pm. Wednesday, May 2, 2012

         The planting will take place at the test plot from 9:00am until 12:00pm. Times are approximate, and adverse weather may cause a cancellation.

         If the planting is postponed, a posting will be placed on the Heyworth High School website at www.husd4.k12.il.us. For more information, contact:  Michael Brown, Heyworth FFA Advisory Council, 309-530‐8444.

4-20-12

          FAIRBURY – Members of the public will be able to learn about dairy judging while touring a farm at the same time next month. 

         Slagel Family Farm near Fairbury will offer a farm tour, dinner and dairy judging seminar on May 5, to raise money for the Prairie Central FFA Dairy Judging Team, which will represent the United States in Scotland this June. 

        Guests will see a variety of livestock and learn about the old fashioned production practices the Slagels use to produce farm fresh meat products.  Following the farm tour and seminar, a family-style farm dinner will be served in a new barn next to the livestock pastures. 

       Prairie Central FFA member Shanna Slagel says the PC Dairy Judging Team has had some recent success.

       “We were first at the state contest last year and then we went to the national contest in the fall.  Our team placed third there.  The top three teams get to travel over to Scotland,” said Slagel. 

       For more on the May 5 fundraiser or to reserve tickets, log on to: www.brownpapertickets.com and search Slagel Family Farm.  Children are welcome as long as they have parent supervision.

4-4-12

         Centrally located in Monticello, Illinois - 4-H Memorial Camp is the perfect place for your child to experience the finest in summer camp life.  Traditional and innovative programs, professional staff, and comfortable facilities await campers at 4-H Memorial Camp.

        Operated by the University of Illinois Extension, summer youth camp is open to all youth ages 8 - 16 years. Following with the 4-H mission to foster positive youth development through a "learn-by-doing" philosophy, campers experience a five-day, four-night camp full of activities and learning. Swimming, boating, hiking, arts & crafts, fishing, singing, volleyball, softball, the list goes on and on!   

        Youth campers benefit from a summer camp experience in many ways, but most campers establish a greater sense of independence, responsibility, self-confidence, respect for others, and an increased appreciation for the natural environment.

       4-H Memorial Camp is accredited through the strict standard of the American Camping Association and exceeds their requirements for the proper administration, personnel, program, health care, and aquatics of a residential camp.

      Six summer youth camps will be operated between June 5 and July 23.  McLean County’s designated week is June 10-14 and Woodford County’s designated week is June 17-21; however, youth may attend other weeks by registering directly through 4-H Memorial Camp.

      Although Livingston County does not have a “designated camping week”, youth are encouraged to attend any of the six camping weeks offered. Fees for attending the five day/four night camp are $175 with sibling discounts available. Discounts are also available for 4-H members attending during their county’s designated week. For registration materials or additional information, please contact the Extension Office.

3-30-12

         ODELL - Joe Bolen from the Odell Sportsmen’s Club recently presented a $500 check to the Livingston County 4-H Shooting Sports program.

        The National 4-H Shooting Sports Program has been in existence since the mid 1970s, and Livingston County 4-H is looking forward to adding the project to the long list of projects 4-H members can choose from.

       Youth development is the number one goal of the Shooting Sports Program. The program is an excellent way to provide life skill development and to establish a caring relationship with an adult mentor. The program will help to promote self-confidence, responsibility, teamwork, self-esteem, decision-making and the identification of realistic personal goals.

        As the program evolves, 4-H members will have opportunities to test their shooting and sportsmanship skills in county, regional, state and national competitions. 4-Hers in the national program have demonstrated high achievement in the field, in the classroom and on the target range—but personal development for young people and adult leaders is the real objective. The program will strive to make every child a winner and to adhere to the 4-H motto to “make the best better.” 

       Currently, Livingston County 4-H will be offering air rifle and shotgun with hopes to add archery soon.

3-27-12

BLOOMINGTON - The McLean, Livingston, Woodford University of Illinois Extension Office has announced some upcoming 4-H events taking place around Central Illinois.

4-H & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

4-H members and volunteers: Please refer to your latest copy of the 4-H newsletter/email for upcoming events in your county. Youth interested in becoming a 4-H member (ages 8-18 as of September 1, 2011) or Cloverbud member (ages 5-7 as of September 1, 2011) may contact the University of Illinois Extension Office in their county for more information.

McLean County 4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting, March 31-10:00-11:30 a.m.

Attention new 4-H families! Learn more about the 4-H program on March 31 at the Extension Office, Bloomington. The upcoming 4-H show/fair and what it takes to have a great 4-H experience will be discussed! Open to the public! Register by calling 663-8306 or visit https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6131.

Fish Camp - May 12-13

This fun filled weekend event, for adults and children, is packed with fishing action and instructional workshops for the beginning or intermediate fishing enthusiast. Learn to catch fish in the camp’s 16-acre fishing paradise. Campers will be given lessons on fishing tips, bait, knots, gear, boating, fish behavior, fisheries management, and caring for your catch. The cost is $49 per person. Pre-registration and payment is required and camp does fill up fast! To register, contact 4-H Memorial Camp at 217 762-2741 or send an email to Curt Sinclair at sinclair@illinois.edu. Don’t let this one get away!

4-H Memorial Camp

4-H Camp is open to all youth! McLean County’s designated week is June 10-14 and Woodford County’s designated week is June 17-21. Registration forms are available at the Extension Office and online. McLean County registration (due May 1): http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/mclean4h/2120.html  Woodford County registration (due May 25): http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/woodford4h/2156.html If you are unable to attend during your county’s designated week, you may register for another week by calling the camp office at 217 762-2741. For more information about 4-H Memorial Camp, go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/

Unity Center-Unity/Tech Wizards Summer Program Registration-May 21-25 and May 29-30-Noon to 7:00 p.m.

Summer programs include Robotics, Photo Lab, Engineering, GPS, and much more. Please call 309 862-4041 for more information or email Megan VanGorder at mvangord@illinois.edu  or Reid Young at ryoun@illinois.edu.

3-1-12

          4-H Fish Camp is open to any adult/child “team” interested in learning more about fishing. 

         Fish Camp is a weekend filled with fun and facts on fishing in Central Illinois.  Programs will be given by fishing professionals, fisheries biologists, and University of Illinois Extension staff to begin or enhance your fishing skills.  You will learn more about how to catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish.  Fishing tips, new lures, bait, equipment, knots, fish behavior, fish management and cooking will be included in the program. There will be plenty to learn and plenty of time to fish!

        Each adult may attend camp with up to three youth campers. Youth campers must be at least 8 years of age. 4-H membership is not required. Fish Camp will be held on the weekend of May 12-13, 2012 at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, Illinois. Participants will enjoy plenty of space at this 250-acre camp, a private 16-acre lake full of hungry fish, hiking trails, rustic cabins, and a large dining hall.

       A $49 fee per person covers the complete program, lodging, and four meals. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact 4-H Memorial Camp at (217)762-2741 or send email to Curt Sinclair at sinclair@illinois.edu.  Registrations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

2-26-12

         FORREST - Residents from Livingston County supported the Prairie Central FFA Chapter and Alumni by attending the annual Farm & Home Show at the P.C. Upper Elementary School in Forrest on Saturday.

        Numerous exhibitors showcased their products and services, with the proceeds benefiting the FFA program at Prairie Central.  There were the most exhibitors ever this year, with some located in the school's band room, near the gymnasium.  Others were set up in the commons area, while a delicious pork lunch was served in the cafeteria.

       The cold start to the day didn't stop people from coming to the show as the aisles were full of visitors gathering free items and visiting with business representatives.  Several people stopped by the Central Illinois Farm Network's booth for free baked goods, candy and other prizes. 

2-25-12

         FAIRBURY - If you have driven past any high schools in rural communities this past week, you may have noticed some tractors in the school parking lot.

         FFA members were encouraged to drive their tractors to school.  This was the case at Prairie Central High School in Fairbury (pictured above). Schools often hold various activities such as milk chugging contests and sack races or relay games, as well.  

        Petting zoos are also traditions with some FFA chapters, such as the Prairie Central chapter.  The photo at the left shows some young students from Westview Elementary School enjoying the FFA petting zoo in the ag shop. 

(Photos by Rebecca Casson)

2-14-12

         Indianapolis, IN – The National FFA Organization has announced that Joshua McCoy of Pontiac was selected to receive a Career Pathways grant in the amount of $1,000 to initiate or improve McCoy’s career development experience. 

        To be eligible, the student must be in grades 7-11, have an SAE and be an FFA member.  McCoy is a member of the Pontiac FFA chapter and was selected from hundreds of applicants nationwide.  McCoy’s grant for a Plant Systems SAE is a special project of the National FFA Foundation. 

       The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of over 540,000 student members all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. 

1-30-12

           NORMAL - One group of kids was gathered around 4-H volunteers as they learn about the sport of Geocaching and create their own geocache container to take home. Down the hall, you could find another group making spinner baits for spring fishing. If you peeked into other classrooms, you could see young artists creating jewelry or sculpting clay!  These diverse workshops were part of the annual 4-H Learn and Fun Day coordinated by University of Illinois Extension of Livingston, McLean and Woodford counties. 

         On Saturday, January 28, over 200 youth gathered at Heartland Community College to participate in hands-on workshops teaching them about rocks and minerals, needle felting, eating healthy and much more. These workshops were taught by 4-H volunteers and older 4-H youth.

        “4-H Learn and Fun Day is a great opportunity for youth to learn by doing” said Cathy Blunier, 4-H Youth Development Educator.  “Throughout the day, youth participate in workshops related to 4-H projects and get the opportunity to try something they have never experienced before, like model rocketry or crocheting.”  

         4-H is the largest out of school educational program for youth in the United States. It seeks to assist youth in developing life skills that will enable them to becoming caring, competent and contributing members of society. For more information about 4-H in Illinois, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/

1-1-12

           FORREST - The Forrest Fireflies Club met Dec.13 at the Forrest Library.

          The meeting began with pledges led by Garrett Pratt.  There were 28 members and eight guests in attendance, along with 4-h leaders Darren Ropp and Mary Vaughan. 

         The secretary and treasurer reports were given.  Old business included a reminder to take cookies to the Forrest library for the Food Pantry Party.  The meeting then moved into new business.  Achievement awards for last year were given to club members. 

         Febrary 25 is the date for the Prairie Central Farm and Home Show.  At the January or February meeting, members will be sending cards and gifts to military families. 

        Members of the Forrest Fireflies will meet again on Mon. January 2 or January 9, 2012.