The Prairie Press

As the new year looms, gardeners are finding late holiday presents in their mailboxes — the 2019 seed catalogs. Although it’s winter, there’s plenty of things to do to prepare for spring and summer.

Those East Central Illinois residents who love to work in the dirt can get a bit depressed and stir crazy in winter. Looking out at the brown fields — or at the horses rolling around in the mud … more

By NANCY ZEMAN nzeman@prairiepress.net | 12/31/18

This Edgar County born and bred polled Dorset ram “Morals,” was named the grand champion ram at the 2018 North American Livestock Show in Louisville in November. The ram was bred by Show Girlz Sheep Co. of Paris, owned by Deb Holmquist. Jim Piller, left, of Piller Dorsets in Mendota, displays a plaque for being awarded the Grand Champion Ram at the National Polled Dorset Show 2018 shown at the North American International Livestock Exposition on Nov. 14 in Louisville, Ky. Holmquist sold the ram before the show with the agreement her company’s name would be announced as part of its name.

Un-baa-lievable victory

Debby Jo Holmquist and her Showgirlz Sheep Company of Paris made history at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., in November. Holmquist’s one-year-old ram … more

By Nancy Zeman nzeman@prairiepress.net | 12/10/18

Making some dough

CHRISMAN – An idea to support a community event has grown into a side business for Deborah Hale.When the Chrisman High School FFA started a farmers market three years ago Hale wanted to help … more

Gary Henry, ghenry@prairiepress.net | 7/2/18

Garden grows family bonds

What began as a small garden for 4-H is now a two-acre plot filled with different varieties of vegetables and herbs after the Darin Kohlmeyer family found a niche to sell fresh produce at the local … more

Suzanne Williams, swilliamsprairiepress@gmail.com | 6/25/18

Spring planting underway

Corn planting progress in the U.S. is nine points behind the five-year average of 14 percent, according to the USDA’s latest crop progress report. Last year, 15 percent of the corn crop had … more

Nancy Zeman, nzeman@prairiepress.net | 5/1/18

FFA creates foodbank

KANSAS – Kansas High School FFA is not just for students who aspire to be production farmers.The organization is for students who are future leaders wanting to make positive changes, and they … more

Suzanne Williams, swilliamsprairiepress@gmail.com | 2/26/18

It is really dry out there

Drive any rural road in Edgar County and columns of dust are easily spotted where farmers are cutting beans and shelling corn.Harvesting started approximately two weeks ago and farmers are … more

Gary Henry, ghenry@prairiepress.net | 10/2/17

A great Illinois State Fair

Whether it was showing cattle, horses or participating in showmanship competition, it was another great Illinois State Fair for Edgar County participants.Wolf Mound’s Girl on Fire, owned and … more

Nancy Zeman, nzeman@prairiepress.net | 8/29/17

All hands on deck for annual barbecue

The aroma of 1,400 pounds of pork chops will fill the air at the Edgar County 4-H Fairgrounds this afternoon as the annual 4-H Barbecue is scheduled from 4-7 p.m.According to Brad Cash, who along … more

Nancy Zeman, nzeman@prairiepress.net | 6/27/17

Pride of the Prairie is startup honey business

What started as an admirable effort to save a hive of honeybees has become a small hobby business and is struggling against the forces of nature to expand.Brothers-in-law Terry Sullivan and Mark … more

Gary Henry, ghenry@prairiepress.net | 6/12/17

4-H team sets goal to be state champs

The Edgar County 4-H Livestock Judging Team has won every contest they’ve participated in this season but the four-member team has eyes on a bigger prize — the Illinois 4-H Livestock … more

Nancy Zeman, nzeman@prairiepress.net | 6/12/17

Cabbage patch secrets revealed

It is not quite a top-secret operation, but an opportunity to visit the garden kept by long-time friends Pat Padgett and Bill Clark requires an invitation and usually an escorted drive to the remote … more

Gary Henry, ghenry@prairiepress.net | 6/12/17

Students invest in horticulture

CHRISMAN – A greenhouse is in operation on the Chrisman High School campus after an absence of several years.“We had a greenhouse before we built the junior high,” said agriculture … more

Gary Henry, ghenry@prairiepress.net | 5/1/17

Planting in full swing

STRATTON TOWNSHIP – Edgar County farmers are going full tilt taking advantage of good weather to plant this year’s corn and soybean crop.“From April 10 to the end of the month is … more

Gary Henry, ghenry@prairiepress.net | 4/24/17