Extension Office Highlights Ag, 4-H Impact in Sangamon County

The Sangamon County Board heard a presentation this week from Terry Casey of the University of Illinois Extension, who outlined the organization’s 2024 activities and areas of focus. The report highlighted youth development through 4-H, community leadership initiatives, and ongoing work to strengthen local food systems through the Farm to Fork partnership with the county.

Casey reported that this year’s county 4-H fair included 218 live animal entries and 317 general project entries. Project categories included aerospace, computers, horticulture, and cooking, among others. Sixty-four members advanced from the county fair to the Illinois State Fair, continuing a longstanding tradition of county youth competing at the state level. Casey noted that while the fair is the culminating event each year, 4-H programming extends throughout the year with leadership training and skills development intended to prepare students to contribute in their schools, workplaces, and communities.

A portion of the presentation focused on the Farm to Fork initiative, a county-led effort that Extension has supported since its launch. The program created a new position for a Local Foods Small Farms Extension Program Coordinator, now held by Hunter Buchanan. Buchanan, a lifelong resident of the county, holds graduate training in environmental science and undergraduate training in environmental studies, with experience in both farming and food protection. His role centers on food safety, reliable food access, and building stronger local food networks. Casey said that the county’s agricultural strengths and existing programs position it well to continue expanding in this area.

The presentation also reviewed the Extension’s horticulture and volunteer programming. In 2024, 82 master gardener volunteers and 25 master naturalists contributed more than 540 consultations to residents, answering questions on gardening and landscaping. Volunteers also conducted 102 educational sessions, provided assistance to community gardens, and raised 115 pounds of produce for donation. The master gardener program is marking its 50th year, and Casey noted that the volunteer hours contribute services that would otherwise be difficult to provide.

Casey concluded the presentation by thanking the board for its support. She emphasized that Extension offices serve the public directly and encouraged county officials and residents to reach out with ideas or partnership opportunities. Casey said the organization remains committed to remaining accessible and continuing to work with the county to expand youth programming, local food efforts, and community education.

“Several board members are beginning work on a community garden initiative to be sponsored by the county,” said County Board Chair Andy Van Meter. “As this project develops, we plan to draw on the University of Illinois Extension office’s expertise to make sure it is built on best practices, supported with the right resources, and able to provide lasting benefits to residents.”

The full 2024 Impact Report can be viewed here: https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/2024-impact-report-u16-logan-menard-sangamon.pdf

In addition to the presentation, the County Board voted on and passed several resolutions. Among them was an agreement with the State of Illinois to continue providing flu shots from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The board also approved a resolution to continue supporting commercial airline services at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, reaffirming the county’s commitment to “Fly SPI First”.