The Clothing, Public Speaking, Dog & Cat, Small Animals and General Projects shows have already been held, and there's a lot more to come. Call our office at 439-3178, for details on remaining events.

Don't miss the final big night on Wednesday, July 16^th. The annual 4-H Barbecue is from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. and the 4-H Livestock Auction follows at 7:00 p.m. We hope you will come out to the Fairgrounds just west of Rend Lake College and join us for the evening.

Farm Family Living Costs Jump

Living expenses for the average Illinois farm family increased $6,726 between 2006 and 2007, according to a University of Illinois Extension study.

"The average amount spent per family for capital items--autos, furniture, and household equipment--was $1,426 more while non-capital expenses jumped $5,300 per family," said Dale Lattz, U of I Extension farm management specialist who conducted the study.

It was based on data from 1,232 farm families enrolled in the Illinois Farm Business Farm Management Association (FBFM). The sample farms were mainly grain enterprises located in central and northern Illinois.

For farm families, income and Social Security tax payments increased about 7 percent in 2007 over 2006. The amount of income taxes paid in 2007 averaged $10,964 compared to $10,251 in 2006.

"Medical expenses were higher last year compared to 2006," said Lattz. "Medical expenses include out-of-pocket costs for health insurance along with doctor and hospital expenses."

Farmers continue to seek off-farm income, he added.

"Net nonfarm income continues to increase, averaging $31,668 in 2007," he said. "Net nonfarm income has increased $13,676, or 76 percent, in the last 10 years."

Non-capital living expenses averaged $60,294 per year--or $5,025 per month--for the state's average farm family in 2007.

"This average was 9.6 percent higher than in 2006 and 14.3 percent higher than in 2005," he said.

Beef Field Day Set for July 31 at Dixon Springs Ag Center

The annual Beef Day at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center on Thursday, July 31 will focus on improving herd profitability. Registration starts at 5 p.m., and the program gets underway at 5:30. The event concludes with a complimentary dinner.

U of I experts Dan Faulkner, Dan Shike and Frank Ireland will discuss the latest trends in the beef industry and offer practical advice for improving herd profitability.

"Those attending will be especially interested in our study that is testing the tolerance of cattle on endophyte-infected tall fescue and how it relates to feed intake," says Ireland, research animal scientist at the ag center.

There is no charge to attend the Beef Day, but advance registration by July 25 is needed for an accurate meal count. Call 618-695-2441 to register. Or email your name, address, county and phone number to japarr@uiuc.edu. If disability accommodations are needed, please indicate when registering. The Dixon Springs Ag Center is located near Glendale on Illinois Route 145.

Visit the Southern Illinois Agriculture website, http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag, for more details.

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Megan Rothchild
Summer Intern

Busy, busy, busy…that's what I've been this summer since I began an internship with Extension. In this short time I've had many new experiences and I've enjoyed every moment of them.

I'm a Herrin native, but I just spent the past two years completing my Bachelor of Science degree in Family & Consumer Sciences at Carson-Newman College in beautiful East Tennessee. Extension has helped me get involved again in the Southern Illinois communities that I missed so much while away at college.

Extension has given me the opportunity to use many of the skills that I acquired in college, and also develop new ones. All summer long I've visited Christopher Elementary School twice a week during their free lunch program. About 30 kids from kindergarten through 5^th grade come and participate in an hour long program where they learn a variety of things from insects to designing wind powered boats.

I was never a 4-Her myself, but after working with Cindy Bauman preparing for the fair I've become a little jealous of the kids who are 4-H members. I'm excited to go out to the fairgrounds this week and check out the talented youth and their exhibits.

A few weeks ago I helped Alice Hunt teach a group of young women how to construct a pair of pajama pants and a lap quilt from start to finish at a three day Youth Sewing Club. Cooking and baking have always been a passion of mine, and I've had the chance to work alongside Jennifer Newbury at the week long Youth Cooking Schools. The youth learn about nutrition, food and kitchen safety, and how to confidently prepare a number of tasty dishes all by themselves. The last summer cooking school will be the week of July 28^th through August 1^st from 1:00-4:00 p.m. also at the Benton Office. Ages 8 and up are welcome.

Summer is flying by, but I like to stop and think about how rewarding this summer has been working with the people in the communities, especially the youth, and with the amazing staff at the Franklin County Office. Summer is a great time to learn something new, so come on out to one of the programs. I hope to see you there!