The program on Dealing With Uncertain Times in Agriculture is Tuesday, February 24. It begins with a complimentary meal at 6:00 p.m. in the Extension Building. Call 439-3178 on Monday if you would like to attend.

Equine Seminar Offered

Topics ranging from horse health issues to new trailer towing restrictions will be highlighted at the 7^th Annual Franklin County Equine Seminar on March 3. The seminar will be at 6:30 p.m. in the University of Illinois 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 explain the new regulations.

Local veterinarians say that one of the biggest issues they encounter is Overweight Horses and the resulting health problems. Ron Beasley, DVM, will address this topic. Kevin Kline, University of Illinois professor of animal sciences, will share information on Care of Older Horses, including proper feeding, medications and joint supplements.

A panel of experts will touch on current hot topics such as the Contagious Equine Metritis outbreak in Kentucky, new recommendations on the use of worming medications, problems associated with feeding round bales of hay, and other issues. Panel 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 to attend this program, but pre-registration is needed by February 25 so that materials can be available. Refreshments will be served and door prizes given.

To register, call Franklin County U of I Extension, 618-439-3178, or email your name, address and phone number to: franklin_co@extension.uiuc.edu. Please indicate when registering if you need dietary or disability accommodations.

Fruit Tree Pruning!

If you are concerned about when and how to prune your fruit trees, come to the Fruit Tree Pruning class Friday, March 13, at 1:15 p.m. The class will be held at Bill Nicholson's residence, 17996 Biehl Rd., West Frankfort, Illinois. Ed Billingsley, Williamson County Extension Director, will be the instructor. Call Franklin County Extension at 439-3178, or Williamson County Extension at 993-3304 to register and get directions to the site.

Tax Season – Will You Get a Refund?

It's time to start thinking about filing your income tax return. Before you begin, stop and think about these smart financial strategies. First, consider filing for tax credits. One in four people who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) fail to claim it. Are you one of them? The EITC is for people who work for a living but don't make a lot of money.

If your financial, marital or parental status changed this year, you should definitely see if you qualify. You may qualify if your income was under $41,646 last year and you, or your spouse, had income from wages, self-employment, farming, or, if under the minimum retirement age, from disability retirement benefits paid under an employer plan. The amount of your EITC could be as much as $4,824 depending on how much you earned, your filing status, whether you have children, etc.

To get the EITC you earned, you must 1) file a federal income tax return and 2) claim the EITC. Find more information at www.irs.gov, Keyword: EITC. The online EITC Assistant can help determine your eligibility and the amount of your credit.

Another tax credit that you should investigate is the Saver's Credit. If you contributed to an IRA or to a 401(k) plan or a similar workplace retirement program, then you may be eligible.

The saver's credit can be claimed by:

· Married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $53,000 in 2008;

· Heads of Household with incomes up to $39,750 in 2008; and

· Married individuals filing separately and singles with incomes up to $26,500 in 2008.

Like other tax credits, the saver's credit can increase a taxpayer's refund or reduce the tax owed. Though the maximum saver's credit is $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples), the credit you receive may be less depending on your tax situation. Find out more about the Saver's Credit at www.irs.gov.