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.

More Sewing Classes Offered

There has been a lot of interest in sewing and quilting lately at University of Illinois Extension. Twenty ladies have started a quilt which they will make over the course of the next year. This class is full and some have been told there is no more room.

Alice Hunt is offering a new class that will feature a different project each month. The first session will be March 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Participants will make a table mat for St. Patrick's Day. A charge of $5.00 will cover the cost of supplies (including fabric) and the lesson. Some sewing machines are available, or you can bring your own. You will need to bring a few basic sewing supplies, cutting mat and rotary cutter (or share with a friend).

Class size will be limited to the first 15 who register. Call soon to University of Illinois Extension in Benton at 439-3178 to get your name on the list.

Monthly classes on many different sewing projects will be offered during the next year. Watch the paper for details.

Equine Seminar Set

Important information will be provided at the 7^th Annual Franklin County Equine Seminar set for March 3^rd. It will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension Building on Route 14 West of Benton.

Individuals towing trailers over 10,000 pounds need to be aware of new licensing requirements, weight restrictions, and other transportation regulations that may apply to them. Jim Fraley from Illinois Farm Bureau will be present to discuss this information.

Local veterinarians say that one of the biggest issues they have to deal with is Overweight Horses and the health problems that creates. Ron Beasley, DVM, will address this topic. Kevin Kline, University of Illinois professor of animal sciences, will share information on Care of Older Horses. Information on proper feeding, medications, joint supplements, etc. will be included.

A panel of experts will touch on current hot topics such as the Contagious Equine Metritis outbreak in Kentucky, new recommendations on use of worming medications, problems associated with feeding round bales of hay, etc. Members will include Roger Clark, DVM of Benton, John Spence, DVM of Sesser, Ron Beasley, DVM of Eldorado, Marc Miles, DVM of Herrin, and Kevin Kline.

There is no cost for attending this program, but pre-registration is needed so that materials can be available. Refreshments will be served and door prizes given. Please call Franklin County Extension at 618-439-3178 by Wednesday, February 25^th to get your name on the list. Please indicate when registering if you need dietary or disability accommodations.