Follow safe food production practices: COVID-19 facts for farms, markets, and gardens
URBANA, Ill. - The current health issue has disrupted normal daily activities. There are many questions for growers and producers, as well as managers of farmers markets. Trust this researched advice from reliable sources.
“Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may...
How does ‘stay at home’ order impact farmers markets?
URBANA, Ill. - With winter farmers markets in full swing, the March 20 executive order by Gov. Pritzker requiring individuals to stay at home has market managers wondering if they can stay open. The order...
March Monthly Meal Tip
March is National Nutrition Month! This is a great month to check your fruit and vegetable intake and to make sure you’re getting the recommended servings per day. The USDA recommends making half your plate fruits and vegetables, and striving for at least 2 servings a day for fruit and 3...
Time to Prune Your Raspberry and Blackberry Plants
While most fruit trees have been pruned for the season, homeowners should look to prune raspberry and blackberry plants in the next couple of weeks.
Your first step in pruning these is to know that brambles produce primocanes and floricanes. “A primocane would be a cane that grew in...
Local FFA and 4-H Members Place at Livestock Judging Contest
DUQUOIN, Ill. —Local FFA and 4-H members competed in a livestock judging contest at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 7.
Livestock judging is the evaluation of an animal's characteristics and making a comparison to other animals and the ideal standard of that...
Local Volunteers Plan Spring Fling Garden Day
University of Illinois Master Gardeners and Naturalists will be hosting an Annual Spring Fling/Garden Day on Saturday, March 21, 2020 from 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. at Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center 27210 College Road, Centralia, IL.
If you are new to gardening or have a lifetime...
Shutting Down the Energy ‘Thieves’ in your Home
On the hunt for another $100.00 (per year) to stretch your budget? One study found a surprising number of “Always On” electrical devices in our homes:
Coffee makers and other small appliances with built-in clocks
Cable/satellite, game and other TV...
Gateway Green Industry Conference in Collinsville, Ill. March 4
Collinsville, Ill. - The Gateway Green Industry Conference is now taking registrations for the 2020 conference being held on Wednesday, March 4 at the Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville.
The educational program has a track for sports turf, landscape, arborist, plantscape,...
Training the Next Generation of Shooting Sports Enthusiasts
MARION, Ill.— Illinois 4-H is seeking adult volunteers to train local youth interested in learning about shooting sports. More than 3,600 4-H members participate in one of the five 4-H shooting sports disciplines, and projects teach the responsible and safe handling of firearms. ...
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training
Do you have concerns about safety in your produce operation? Are you concerned about compliance with FSMA? Do you want to know more about the difference between FSMA and GAPs? Then the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training might be for you!
On February 26, 2020, from 8 a.m. to...
February Meal Tip
February is Heart Health Month and what better way to make your heart happy than with a bowl of fresh, colorful berries? Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are loaded with Vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Not only do berries taste great and are full of these vitamins and...
FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Certification Training
Are you a business, or are you associated with a business that needs to ensure safe preparation of food products for human consumption? Are you looking to become a qualified individual who has successfully completed training in the development and application of risk-based preventative...
January Meal Tip
Many people see January as a time to start new resolutions and a popular one is to become healthier. Instead of trying several ideas at the same time, try choosing one resolution that will be easy to stick to. It can be as simple as aiming to drink more water during the day, trying a new...
December Monthly Meal Tip
Saving money during the holidays might seem impossible, but there are many ways to be frugal when it comes to holiday meals. Of course, create a food budget and never go shopping without a list in hand. For large family gatherings, consider making the dinner a potluck, where everyone brings a...
Illinois Extension Develops Industrial Hemp Resources
Illinois producers did you grow hemp in 2019? Are you interested in giving it a shot in 2020? With the end of the growing season here, there are many hemp growers who will be looking to find processors and end buyers for their product. As this is an emerging industry without a developed supply...
2020 All-America Selection Winners
URBANA, Ill. – After the polar vortex of last winter, many are wondering if those cold blustery temperatures will return this season to affect our plants in Illinois. According to winter predictions, and University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce J. Black, this winter should be...