Maple syrup season is short and sweet, but easy to learn about thanks to the University of Illinois Extension.
Each January, the land-grant program welcomes hobbyists and those curious about the process to their maple syrup workshop. It is held at the Dixon Spring Ag Center and includes tours, live demonstrations, and an on-site 4-H pancake breakfast.
People get hands-on learning about tree tapping in the late winter.
Each gallon of maple syrup is made up of more than 40 gallons of sap which is boiled, filtered, and then boiled again.
In southern Illinois, the season lasts January through February but varies based on location. It comes to an abrupt end with the arrival of Spring, which leads to chemical changes in the trees making the sap bitter.
Crop value concentration keeps farm income tied closely to commodity price cycles.
March 02, 2026 01:23 PM
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Strong land values contrast with mounting credit pressure.
March 01, 2026 12:00 PM
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Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
February 27, 2026 02:18 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
February 26, 2026 01:04 PM
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Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
February 25, 2026 12:13 PM
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UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
February 24, 2026 01:16 PM
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