News Releases

chilly stream near home
Gully erosion prediction tools can lead to better land management
URBANA, Ill. – ­Soil erosion is a significant problem for agricultural production, impacting soil quality and causing pollutants to enter waterways. Among all stages of soil erosion, gully erosion is the most severe phase, where large channels are carved through the field. Once gullies develop,...
camaya wallace bechard
Ensuring access for all, Extension adds DEIA leadership
URBANA, Ill. – A new leadership position will guide University of Illinois Extension’s efforts to ensure its programs are relevant, inclusive, and accessible to all of Illinois’ diverse residents and communities. ...
mixing bowl with eggs and flour food safety
Protect your holiday baking traditions with 4 food safety tips
URBANA, Ill. – Holiday baking brings family and friends together and creates lasting memories as friends share recipes, stories, and meaningful time together.  Amid the flurry of flour-covered countertops and mountains of messy mixing bowls, keep food safety in mind. “Baking and food...
Ogle County 4-H-ers honored for outstanding achievement
  OREGON, Ill.- One hundred twenty-seven Ogle County 4-H’ers will be honored for their achievements during the 2022 4-H year at club programs this fall.  The 4-H Experience Award recognizes 4-H’ers for...
4-H livestock award winners
Illinois 4-H Livestock Judging Team places seventh in the nation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Illinois State 4-H Livestock Judging Team took seventh in the nation at the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest. This contest is held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.  ...
Local youth wins prize at 2022 eSports Land of Lincoln Championships
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In August, Illinois 4-H held a statewide eSports competition, 2022 eSports Land of Lincoln Championships. Overall, 57 youths competed for their share of a $4K non-cash prize pool. An Ogle County youth was among the Fortnite Free For All winners. This event was sponsored by...
Whiteside County 4-H to offer Holiday STEAM Workshop
STERLING, Ill.-How fast can you make your mini-Christmas tree spin? Explore reactions while making some holiday “cloud dough.” Youth ages 5-12 can learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math at the University of Illinois Extension holiday workshop.  These workshops occur...
pigs with 4-H logo
Illinois 4-H Skillathon Team Crowned National Champions
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Illinois 4-H Livestock Skillathon Team recently topped 20 teams from across U.S. to bring home the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Champion title. The contest was held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock...
trophy and 4H logo
Illinois 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team named fourth in the nation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Illinois State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team was named fourth in the nation at the National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.   ...
gardening tools and dirt
Indoor gardening can brighten winter doldrums
URBANA, Ill. – Dreading the long cold months of winter? Create a green space indoors with plants. Historically, plants have been used for their medicinal properties. Growing movements like horticulture therapy use plants for their healing properties, individual health, and well-being....
geese
Study: Canada geese beat humans in longstanding territory battle
URBANA, Ill. – Canada geese collide with aircraft, intimidate unassuming joggers, and leave lawns and sidewalks spattered with prodigious piles of poop. They’re widely considered nuisance birds, and municipalities invest considerable time and money harassing geese to relocate the feisty flocks....
sweet corn
Sweet corn sweltering in summer heat spells uncertainty for corn lovers
URBANA, Ill. – Few things say summer in America more than buttery corn on the cob, but as summer temperatures climb to unprecedented levels, the future of sweet corn may not be so sweet. New University of Illinois research shows sweet corn yields drop significantly with extreme heat during...
New project to boost youth health data literacy skills
October 21, 2022 A project to increase the health data literacy of youth has received funding through the University’s Extension Collaboration Grant Program. Assistant Professor Rachel M. Magee will lead the project, "Health Data Literacy Ambassadors," with Associate Professors Catherine...
4-H members take aim during Summer Sizzle Shoot
HENRY, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members showed focus and a steady hand as they competed for top honors in the annual Summer Sizzle Shoot held June 4 at the Chillicothe Sportsman’s Club. Nearly 75 youth from nine counties participated in the Illinois 4-H shooting sports contest, organized by 4-H...
Ogle County 4-H Achievment Day winners named
OREGON, Ill.-  Ogle County 4-H’ers were recognized for excellence in 4-H project work at the recent county 4-H Achievement Celebration.  Held November 13 at the Byron Jr High School Theatre, the program featured the presentation of numerous awards, including the “County Project Honor Award.”...
Holiday freezer meal fundraiser to benefit Ag in the Classroom program
For Immediate Release OREGON, Ill. – Ag in the Classroom offers freezer meals for the holiday season. There is still time to order your meal sets by Dec. 1, so don’t let this opportunity pass you up. These would make great gifts for the hard to buy for loved ones on your holiday list or...