Wet conditions have delayed planting for many area farmers. And, conditions at the University of Illinois Ewing Demonstration Center have been the same. But despite the delays, the center's Agronomy Field Day will still be held on Thursday, June 12, at 9 a.m.

"We have not yet been able to get the test plots in," reports Dennis Epplin, U of I Extension crop systems educator. "But, we will talk about the challenges of failed and delayed plantings and offer some suggestions. We'll also have a crop insurance representative on hand to discuss the provisions of coverage."

Crop producers who are able to attend the field day will get to see how wheat varieties have performed, and the long-term soil fertility plots will be discussed.

The Ewing Demonstration Center is located approximately 12 miles northeast of Benton. From Illinois Route 37, turn east on Ewing Road and watch for signs. If weather conditions are questionable, call 618-242-9310 before traveling to the field day.

Babysitter Training is Set

The Business of Babysitting Clinic will be offered June 12, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for students ages 12 and older. We will learn how to care for children of all ages. Discipline, safety, how to bathe a baby, what to charge, and many more topics will be covered. Lunch will be prepared by students and some simple crafts that can be used with children will be taught.

Participants will leave with more confidence and understanding of the business of babysitting. Register for class by calling the Extension office at 439-3178 by June 9. Cost will be $10. This covers lunch, crafts and booklet. The teacher will be Alice Hunt.

Kids Sewing Club

The Kids Sewing Club will be a fun 3 day summer opportunity for youth with an interest in sewing. Class is offered for youth 8 years and older on June 16, 17, and 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily in the Extension building. We will make a lap size quilt and a pair of elastic waist pants. You will learn to cut, sew, layer and tie a quilt and how to make a garment using a pattern. You must attend every session to participate. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy the day sewing.

Please register for class by calling the Extension Office at 439-3178 by June 11. There is no cost for the class, but you will need to request a list and bring the fabric, pattern and supplies necessary. Sewing machines will be provided or you can bring your own. The teacher will be Alice Hunt.

Illinois Forage Expo Set for June 28

The 2008 Illinois Forage Expo is set for Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Smith Family Farms near Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The operation, managed by Tom Smith, includes a beef custom grazing enterprise which utilizes warm-and cool-season perennial grasses. Also, summer annuals such as pearl millet are rotationally grazed.

The Forage Expo includes field demonstrations of forage harvesting equipment and commercial displays of forage-related products and equipment. Educational presentations will focus on matching forage species with animal nutritional requirements in a year-long grazing program; managing higher fertility costs in pastures and hayland; and controlling weeds and arthropods in forages with integrated pest management principles. The Expo also includes a Quality Hay Contest for producers to enter 2008 harvested bales. Entries are evaluated for bale density, visual assessment, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and relative feed value. There is no entry fee, and NIRS analysis will be provided free of charge. Bales weighing over 100 pounds will need an official scale weigh ticket.

Smith Family Farms can be reached by going about 7 miles west of Mt. Vernon on Route 15, then turn south on Panzier Lane for 1½ miles. Watch for signs. Lunch will be available at the Expo.

More information about the Illinois Forage Expo is available at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag. For information on exhibiting a commercial display, contact Stacy Helm, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, 618-244-0773,

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The Forage Expo is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, University of Illinois Extension, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Risk Management Agency and Illinois Grassland Conservation Initiative.

Father's Day Thought

Father's Day is upon us…so what better month to celebrate dads and the special relationship they can have with their children? Whether teaching you to read a book, ride a bike or tell a great joke, or just lending an understanding ear – dads have unique qualities, talents and experiences to share. Honor your father, grandfather or that special father figure in your life this month by making a point to say "thank you" for all they have done for you.