....with the 4-H general show and county fair just around the corner. These events along with the ongoing work in our other program areas make this time one of the "busy seasons" for the extension office. I encourage everyone reading this newsletter to get involved!

As an organization, the past three months have been a fiscal challenge for University of Illinois Extension due to the uncertainty in state funding and the ongoing plans to shift some costs from the University to the local extension offices. These changes will certainly impact the Fulton County office, but through it we plan to "play to our strengths" and while doing so, improve the quality of the services we provide. A big thank you goes statewide to Illinois Farm Bureau and to all the 4-H volunteers and Master Gardeners for their successful efforts in securing the release of our FY08 funds. Your voices certainly made an impact. And that impact will continue as the state finalizes their FY09 budget which includes allocations for extension and universities, both of which impact the operation of our local extension office.

Enough budget talk! We have a full schedule of activities this summer. Read through this newsletter and get a taste for what we are doing. Also, take advantage of the articles, tips, and opportunities for learning that we offer. Our goal is to provide you with research-based information ranging from the practical to the cutting edge, and to meet any educational needs or requests you have that fall within the scope of our four program areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development, Community and Economic Development, and Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences. If you have questions, check out our website (fulton.extension.uiuc.edu), call us, email us, or just walk in, and we will do our best to provide you with the information you require.

Enjoy the summer and all the activities that fill your calendar.

Earl Allen, County Extension Director

• Western bean cutworm moth traps are being monitored by the extension office in three Fulton County locations this summer – Orion, Harris and Lewistown Townships. The purpose of this multi-state project is to determine the extent and peak flight of this moth in the corn belt. Thanks to the farmers who are cooperating!
• The 2008 Machinery Cost Estimate fact sheets are now available in the extension office.
• New 2008 Fulton County plat books are available in the extension office for $28. Receipts from plat book sales go to our SEFF Foundation(Support Extension and 4-H Fund). Support our office by purchasing a plat book for yourself or a friend.
• Our website offers many features and puts a wealth of information just a mouse click away. Check it out at fulton.extension.uiuc.edu
• "No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it."—Andrew Carnegie