4-H hunger summit earns citizenship award
An Illinois Extension 4-H hunger awareness program has earned the top citizenship award for the 12-state North Central region of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents. The program will be recognized Nov. 6 at the group’s national meeting in White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia....

University of Illinois requests data from farmers to better understand unique growing year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – Researchers and Extension Specialists from University of Illinois College of Agricultural,...

Fall House Guests
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, we often start seeing uninvited insect guests in our homes, according to University of Illinois Extension educator Ken Johnson.  Boxelder bugs are commonly found trying to enter houses, especially if there’s a boxelder tree nearby....

Breaking the fall garden clean-up habit 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. – Are you ready to change the way you clean up your perennial garden in the fall? Kelly Allsup, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator, says changing just a few garden habits can make a huge difference to butterflies, moths, bees, and...

Early fall color
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URBANA, Ill. - Do you have a tree that is displaying fall color early this year? In Illinois, most trees do not begin to change colors for the season until October. Although some early color may be beautiful, this may be a sign of health issues.   ...

Produce Safety Alliance - Grower Training Course
 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 December 18, 2019, from 8:00am...

Marion & Clinton County 4-H members recognized at Superior Young Producer Contests
$15,000 awarded to animal science scholars Feeding a growing population requires youth who understand all aspects of the agricultural livestock industry. The 4-H Superior Young Producer Award scholarship program, in its 24th year in Illinois, rewards youth who have extended their...

Contest prepares young dairy producers
It may be a contest, but the true benefit of the Illinois 4-H State Dairy Judging Contest is that it teaches youth what it takes to raise profitable dairy production herds. “It is important for young dairy breeders to understand the functional traits associated with high milk production...

Wollin wins state poultry contest
A Marion County 4-H member led all scores in the Illinois 4-H State Poultry Judging Contest held Aug. 7 in Springfield during the Illinois State Fair. Twenty youth from eight Illinois counties participated for the right to advance to national competition. Dennis Wollin was the high point...

Tree Care Workshop
Want to add trees to your landscape, but don’t know quite where to start? Do you have questions about what kind of trees would be best for your yard? In partnership with University of Illinois Extension, Kevin Bennett with Trees Forever, will give an informative presentation about what to plant...

Master Naturalist Training Set to Begin in September
The 2019 University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist training session is set to begin on Tuesday, September 10. Any adult (18 years or older) who loves the outdoors, has a concern for the local environment and wants to provide education and service to help your local community will...

Washington County 4-H Closes Out Their Show Season
Washington County 4-H members kicked off their local show season with the Home Economics Show on June 26. Members had the opportunity to show their 4-H horse projects on July 7 at Kind City Saddle Club. The remaining shows took place at the Washington County Fairgrounds during Fair week. General...

Clinton County 4-H General Projects Show Results
The 4-H General Projects Show was held at District 12 Elementary School in Breese on Saturday, June 29. At the General Projects Show 4-H members met with expert project judges in conference style judging. Members have more than 200 project options to select from, at the General Show all of them...

Bond County 4-H General Projects Show Held July 6
At the General Projects Show 4-H on July 6, Bond County 4-H members met with expert project judges in conference style judging. Members have more than 200 project options to select from, at the General Show all of them except live animals and public speaking, were on display at the General...

Marion County 4-H Members Exhibit General Projects
Marion County 4-H members exhibited their 4-H projects at the General Projects Show on July 6 at the Marion County Fairgrounds in Salem. The General Projects show includes all projects other than live animals. There were 62 exhibitors with 95 project entries this year. During conference...

Cloverbud Camp Safari introduces Clinton County youth to students in Zambia
Cloverbud Camp gives local youth between the ages of five and seven to get a taste of the camp experience, while learning about life in another country. Two day camp sessions were offered, with almost 40 youth participating. Campers took a safari tour to find the animals of Africa, used virtual...

On-Farm Readiness Reviews - Illinois
The On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) is a voluntary assessment used to familiarize Illinois farmers with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. This program provides an opportunity for farmers to discuss areas of their operation and will assist growers...