Since the Benton Evening News will no longer be published on Saturday, you can look for the Extension page on Friday beginning February 13. We have been told that there is lots of readership and interest in this section of the paper, and that it will be kept as close to the same format as possible. We want to publicly express our appreciation to the newspaper editors and staff that help make this possible. You might let them know if you feel the same way.

Youth Can Learn Important Electrical Skills

Youth between the ages of 8 & 19 are invited to attend a workshop where they will learn to make a heavy duty extension cord. It is set for Thursday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension Building. Robert Pankey will be the instructor. There will be a small fee to cover the cost of supplies. Space is limited, so call the Extension office at 439-3178 to reserve your spot and get additional details.

Seasonal Care of the Landscape

How do you know what needs to be done in the home landscape at each season of the year? This program will give you a timeline for basic maintenance of trees and shrubs, lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens. It is set for Wednesday, February 18 at 10:00 a.m. in the Extension Building. Alice Hunt will be the presenter. There is no fee, and anyone is welcome. Please let us know if you plan to attend so that we can get in touch with you in case of bad weather.

Dealing With Uncertain Times in Agriculture

Helpful information for farmers who must make tough decisions for 2009 will be available at a February 24 seminar hosted by University of Illinois Extension in Benton. Information on the Farm Bill and what it will take to make a profit next year will be shared. The program begins at 6 p.m. in the Franklin County Extension Building, Route 14 West of Benton.

Dale Lattz and Gary Schnitkey, U of I Extension specialists in farm management, will be featured on the program along with Terry Swift from the local Farm Service Agency. Schnitkey will provide a comprehensive look at the new revenue-based ACRE provision of the Farm Bill along with other important provisions of it. The interaction of ACRE and crop insurance will also be discussed.

Lattz will provide a farm profitability outlook for 2009. His presentation will look at projected costs and incomes given the rapidly changing economic conditions. He notes that "crop input costs have increased significantly while grain prices have fallen sharply from their highs of last summer." Producers will have to decide how to deal with these challenges.

Terry Swift, Franklin/Williamson Farm Service Agency, will wrap up the evening with comments specific to farm program requirements.

The program begins with a complimentary meal that is made possible by Peoples National Bank, Banterra Bank and Franklin County Farm Bureau. There is no fee, but advance registration by February 20 is needed for an accurate meal count. Call 618-439-3178 or email your name and phone number to franklin_co@extension.uiuc.edu. Also, note when registering if you need dietary or disability accommodations.