Canning Workshop Carries on with Pickling
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – The second session of the canning workshop series went smoothly with a hands-on pickling process where participants learned to make a delicious, pickled corn relish. The workshop, led by Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen, was the second in a three-part canning series...
Grow successful made in the shade gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Did you know that despite Illinois' reputation as a prairie state, its landscape was once nearly a third forest? This fact opens up a wonderful world of native plants perfectly suited for shade gardens. Choosing these local beauties not only bolsters regional biodiversity but...
Extend fall gardening plans with Illinois Extension Four Seasons webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Not ready to say goodbye to the everyday gardening activities? Extend the garden season by learning how to harvest flower seeds and gaining tips on where to start to reclaim runaway landscapes with the Four...
Learn how to protect public health with non-restaurant food safety training
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is now offering an accessible, self-paced online course designed specifically for food handlers working in non-restaurant settings across Illinois. The Illinois Food Handler Training course equips...
Submit photos that capture resilient spirit of Illinois agriculture
URBANA, Ill. — Have a farm photo that brings a smile every time it is shared? Inspire others and create more smiles by having that photo be part of the 2026 Seasons of Strength calendar from North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance...
Don’t be stumped by tree problems
URBANA, Ill. — In urban settings like parks and yards, numerous challenges threaten tree health and longevity. Environmental or abiotic stressors are often the culprit, and as a tree’s health declines, it will become more susceptible to living or biotic organisms like pests or disease....
Learn practical strategies to minimize contamination, improve produce safety
URBANA, Ill. — Contamination in wash and pack areas remains one of the leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks in fresh produce. Without proper handling and sanitation practices, even the most carefully grown crops can pose a serious health risk to consumers and a financial risk to...
Youth showcase poultry knowledge and skills at state contest
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2025 Illinois 4-H Poultry Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus on Jun. 25. This state contest provides youth with hands-on experience in evaluating...
Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan
URBANA — When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when disaster strikes and a herd of cattle are grazing pasture?Dr. Yvette...
Learn how to manage invasive species online and in the field with statewide hybrid course
URBANA, Ill. — From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts. Learn how to manage invasive plants in Introduction to Invasive Species Management, a two-day hybrid program led by University of Illinois Extension educators...
Jam Session Kicks Off Canning Workshop Series in Champaign
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Local residents got a sweet start to summer food preservation with a hands-on jam-making workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension on June 25. The workshop, led by Nutrition and Wellness Educator Rachel Mannen, was the first in a three-part...
Competition heats up in youth fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament has posted it second round of leaderboard results and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge...
How 4-H shaped a lifetime of service for Bea Bagby
URBANA, Ill. — For Beatrice H. Bagby, known to most as Bea, 4-H wasn’t just a club. It was a lifeline. A spark. A community. And ultimately, a calling.Bea found Illinois 4-H in the wake of unimaginable grief. In May 1946, her mother...
Corn after soy: New study quantifies rotation benefits and trade-offs
URBANA — While the majority of Midwestern farmers rotate corn and soybeans, commodity prices and corn yield advantages compel some to plant corn year after year. Although foundational research on the benefits of corn-soybean rotation goes back decades, University...
Future agricultural leaders shine at 2025 Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2025 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 16. Instead of leading animals, these young members acted as judges, evaluating groupings of cattle,...
High impact University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed programs face elimination
URBANA, Ill. — There are many barriers Illinois residents face in making healthy choices. For over 30 years, University of Illinois Extension’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs have helped people stretch their food dollars while increasing their nutrition...
Reduce energy consumption and stay safe during summer heat waves
URBANA, Ill. — The first heat wave of the summer hit the Midwest earlier than usual this week, with a heat index forecast of up to 105 degrees, pushing many indoors to stay cool. All those air conditioning units running almost nonstop put pressure...
New leadership joins Illinois 4-H Foundation Board
Champaign, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. The 4-H Foundation Board of Directors is committed to advancing the Illinois 4-H program by fostering partnerships, securing resources, and...
Youth culinary event builds confidence, teamwork
Decatur, Ill. -- The Illinois 4-H Food Challenge hosted its second culminating statewide event on June 14, bringing together talented young chefs from across the state to showcase their culinary skills. This program is designed to help youth develop expertise in...
