News Releases

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...
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...
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...
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...
Group of people standing.
2022 4-H Achievement celebration winners
For Immediate Release   OREGON, Ill.- Ogle County’s top 4-H members and clubs were honored for outstanding achievement at a special program held Sunday, November 13, in the Byron Middle School Theatre.       ...
Group of youth standing in front of table.
Over 250 attend Ag Career Exploration Fair last week
For Immediate Release   OREGON, Ill. – The successful Ag Career Exploration Fair on Nov. 17 allowed high school students to network with colleges and employers in attendance. Colleges shared information on the many majors in agriculture and what it takes to...
cow in pasture
Local study highlights connection between grassland birds and grazing land
ELIZABETH, Ill.-Wildlife studies have noted significant declines in midwestern grassland songbirds over the last few decades. The research found the decline correlated with reductions in grazing and hay fields in the region. Research has found that many midwestern grassland birds need grass of...
pumpkins and mums near wagon
Holiday favorite gourd is good to go for 2022
Few of us stop to wonder how that slice of pumpkin pie made it onto our plate, but if it weren't for the Illinois pumpkin industry and plant pathologist and Extension specialist Mohammad Babadoost, the classic fall...
allen barton, professor Human Development and Family Studies Illinois
Study shows the power of 'thank you' for couples
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Gratitude has been a trendy sentiment in recent years – sparking an industry of journals, knickknacks, and T-shirts touting thankfulness as a positive force in individuals’ lives. New research suggests that gratitude from one’s partner may be a powerful tool for couples...
ice on trees
Protect trees from winter’s wrath with a few preventive steps
URBANA, Ill. – Winter is hard on trees. Wind, ice, and cold temperatures can harm trees through sunscald, branch-breaking ice loads, or winter burn on evergreens. Taking preventative measures in the fall can help minimize winter injury to trees in the landscape. Boxwood, arborvitae, and...
4-H logo
Illinois 4-H staff honored with national service awards
MADISON, Wis. – Three University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development staff recently received national recognition from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP). Amy Henschen, Shelby Carlson, and Myla...