News Releases

White-tailed deer standing amongst trees in a grassy area.
Researchers seek information on close encounters of the deer kind
Researchers at the University of Illinois are asking adults in Illinois to complete an online survey about their experiences with wild white-tailed deer. The survey is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)...
Angus bull
IPT bulls average $4,400, exceed previous sales
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This year's Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale average exceeded all previous sales, averaging $4,440 on the 49 lots offered Feb. 23 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.  "This sale continues to be one of the best sources for total performance...
graphs showing nutrient load changes in Illinois
Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss
URBANA, Ill. – Midwestern agriculture contributes the vast majority of nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico, causing an oxygen-starved hypoxic zone and challenging coastal economies. State and federal policies have tried for decades to provide solutions and incentives, but the hypoxic zone keeps...
A table outside with glass vases on it with blooming forced branches
Start spring early by forcing branches to bloom indoors
The weather during late winter can feel like being on a roller coaster. One day, it feels like spring, and the next, we are reminded that it’s still winter. To help tide you over, you can try forcing some spring-flowering trees and shrubs to bloom early and bring some bright spring colors...
map of chicago area
Be a part of the history of soils in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Your land, your soil may have been part of an historical and extensive soil sampling program dating back to 1899 by University of Illinois. University researchers and Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council are...
Maps of Illinois from 2020 to 2022 showing Northern corn rootworm numbers by county.
2022 Field crop disease, insect management report available
URBANA, Ill — Every year, University of Illinois scientists conduct pest and disease surveys in corn and soybean crops across the state, along with in-field tests of insecticides, seed treatments, and more. The 2022 report, now available, describes ongoing Bt-resistance monitoring results; field...
Rhonda Mueller receiving office support award
Help begins at Extension's front door
URBANA, Ill. – Office support staff in local Extension offices connect residents with resources to solve their problems. These staff are often the first people the public meets at the local office and the voice they hear on the phone. University of Illinois Extension recently...
cup cakes
Tips for entering the cottage food business
URBANA, Ill. — Last year, the Home-to-Market Act, a set of legislative updates to the Cottage Food Law, came into effect in Illinois. Before this legislation passed, food operators could only sell homemade foods...
airplane
From ground to air to space: Tillage estimates get tech boost
URBANA, Ill. – According to national USDA statistics, no-till and conservation tillage are on the rise, with more than three-quarters of corn and soybean farmers opting for the practices to reduce soil erosion, maintain soil structure, and save on fuel. However, these estimates are...
Master Gardeners provide education and outreach
From farms and small-town to suburbs and the inner city, more than 2,600 volunteers statewide put their mission of “helping others learn to grow” into practice by providing gardening education and outreach in their communities. Take your love of gardening to the next level by joining the...
robot in corn field
$5M USDA grant funds Illinois-led innovative cover cropping project
Urbana, Ill. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that it is funding a new project led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that will address major obstacles to adoption of cover crops in the United States. Titled “iCOVER: Innovated Cover-crop Opportunity,...