•May 24, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham, Family Life Educator

Did you know that 7 in 10 teens struggle with feelings of overwhelm, stress, anxiety, and depression? One way to help manage these difficult emotions is to practice self-care. Self-care is simply taking time to do something every day to help you relax, manage stress, and improve your mental health. The National Institute for Mental Health has the following tips to get you started with self-care:
· Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking daily can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
· Eat healthy, regular meals, and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee. Read More

•May 24, 2023•
Registration for the Illinois Wheat Association’s (IWA) 2023 Wheat Yield Contest is now open to Illinois farmers competing for the top weight/yield of wheat harvested.
This year, entrants will compete statewide for the top three yields, which must be from a 2022 commercial seed purchase. Those interested in participating in the annual contest must be members of the Illinois Wheat Association and submit their entry by June 4.
“The Wheat Yield Contest is not just a competition but a great opportunity for farmers to learn from one another and see what worked or didn’t work,” said Megan Dieken, IWA interim executive director.
A farm or operation may enter more than one entry, but each entry must have a different individual name. Participants are asked to fill out separate forms for each entry. Contest field must be at least 10 continuous acres of one variety number.
IWA defines continuous as fields that are not separated by public roads, permanent field roads, or waterways that are delineated out of FSA maps or other structures of features that cause a field to be “farmed” separately. Read More

•May 24, 2023•
Summer unofficially starts with the arrival of Memorial Day at the end of May. Although it is a holiday designed to honor American military personnel who have died in various wars, it also serves double-duty as a chance to gather with friends and loved ones and enjoy the return of the warm-weather entertaining season.
Barbecues are the centerpieces of Memorial Day celebrations. It may have been awhile since the grill was fired up, so anyone can use a little refresher course in barbecue etiquette. Here are some tips for making the most of Memorial Day parties.

Ready the grill: If your grill has lain dormant for several months, it’s wise to inspect and thoroughly clean it in advance of Memorial Day. Insects like spiders may have built homes inside, and grease and grime may be lingering from last year. Ensure the grill is in top form before cooking for guests. Read More