New land grant research detects dicamba damage from the sky
URBANA, Ill — Drones can now detect subtle soybean canopy damage from dicamba at one ten-thousandth of the herbicide’s label rate — simulating vapor drift — eight days after application. This advancement in remote sensing from the University of Illinois...
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...
Marion County 4-H Shows Set for July
The Marion County 4-H program is proud to announce its upcoming schedule of shows and exhibitions, showcasing the hard work and dedication of local youth. These events offer the community a chance to support young exhibitors and celebrate the values of responsibility, animal care, career and...
Clinton County 4-H Youth Earn State Fair Honors
Clinton County 4-H members had a busy Saturday on June 28. The 4-H General Projects Show was held at District 12 Elementary School in Breese. At the General Projects Show, 4-H members met with expert project judges in conference-style judging. Members have more than 200 project...
University of Illinois Extension to Host Open House in Salem
University of Illinois Extension invites community members to an Open House on Monday, July 14, from 5-7 p.m. at their office at 1404 E Main, Rt 50 East, Salem, IL 62881. This event is an excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about the valuable resources and programs Illinois...
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...
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...
Branch out into summer learning with free Forestry Stewardship Series
URBANA, Ill. — In summer, the shade of a large oak tree is a welcome relief from the heat. The 4.8 million acres of trees in Illinois do everything from supporting human health and providing habitat for wildlife to creating oxygen and slowing floodwaters...
Prevent, protect zinnias from powdery mildew
URBANA, Ill. — The summer is always a little brighter in the garden when brightly colored zinnias are among the various plants. Zinnias are heat and drought-tolerant plants that attract a variety of summer pollinators. This flower thrives early in the season, but as summer temperatures rise and...
At Extension, water resources work when we work with them
Sometimes water is only a drizzle or a trickle, while other times it pours and floods, but it is always there in the background, a steady and vital resource for all our lives. A core University of Illinois Extension program area — natural resources,...
Explore sustainable farming through high tunnel production and integrated pest management
SIMPSON, Ill. – More Illinois specialty crop growers are planting in high tunnels to extend their growing season, increase crop diversity, achieve higher yields, and improve quality. Learn about high tunnel production and how research studies on biological insect control are benefiting both the...
Climate change cuts global crop yields, even when farmers adapt
URBANA, Ill. — The global food system faces growing risks from climate change, even as farmers seek to adapt, according to a June 18 study in Nature.In contrast to previous studies suggesting...
Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...
Celebrate Pollinator Week with tips and tools for a more pollinator-friendly yard
URBANA, Ill. — As they flutter through plant and flower blossoms, spreading pollen with every landing, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators quietly sustain healthy ecosystems, successful home vegetable gardens, and agricultural production. This...
Local growers are invited to Agronomy Field Day at Ewing Demonstration Center
EWING, Ill. – Illinois Extension is excited to invite the public to their annual Agronomy Field Day at the Ewing Demonstration Center on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 9 a.m., with a free lunch to follow. The event will feature various educators and campus faculty as they provide best management...
