It may not feel like fall out, but it will be here before we know it. Fall is my favorite season of them all. I love the cooler temperatures and I prioritize many visits to apple orchards. One of my favorite parts of visiting the apple orchard is strolling through the area with all the different apple varieties. There are nearly 100 varieties of apples grown in the United States, but only a handful of those make it to the top of the “apple charts” which then account for more than 90 percent of apple production. Americas top favorites include:

• Gala: crispy, juicy, and very sweet. Galas are ideal for snacking.
• Red Delicious: sweet-tasting and best eaten fresh or on salads
• Fuji: sweet flavor and firm, prefect for eating fresh.
• Golden Delicious: a mild, buttery-honey taste that is perfect for pies and crips
• Granny Smith: green-colored, crisp, and tart makes for a fun snack-try it with peanut butter.
• Honey Crisp: explosive crispiness and sweet like honey - these apples are great for snacking, putting in salads or making sauce.

My favorite apples include golden delicious and galas. I can’t wait to enjoy some caramel apples and a cup of hot apple cider. Be sure to get out and support our local apple orchards this fall.

Calling Carroll and Stephenson County Teachers: Want to get some new learning activities for your class this year? Attend the Awesome Agriculture FREE Online Workshop! At the workshop you will learn about on-line resources from Illinois Ag in the Classroom and how to use them. Teachers will earn 1 PD for attending and get a $20 Amazon gift card to use for Classroom supplies. The program will take place on Thursday, September 12 from 4p.m.-5p.m. Registrations are due on or before September 9 and can be completed by visiting https://form.jotform.com/241864447555163

Recognizing Engagement: Illinois Farm Bureau’s Actively Engaged Student of the Month: Do you know an actively engaged student with participation in FFA, 4-H, IHSA and a student activity, club or organization? Nominate them below for Illinois Farm Bureau’s Actively Engaged Student of the Month. The student must participate in ALL of the defined areas to be considered. Nomination is good for the entire 2024-2025 school year and do not reset each month. Winners will be selected on the first Friday of each month, starting in September. Nominations should come from FFA advisor; coach; club or activity sponsor; and/or 4-H or county fair rep. Nominator’s may also include a letter with further details at the end of the form. To nominate an individual www.farmweeknow.com/activelyengaged/ Direct questions, to [email protected]