Learn about the latest research at Dudley Smith Farm
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Stay informed on current agriculture practices and the latest research taking place at Dudley Smith Farm during the annual Winter Meeting. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County Office located at 1120 N....
New Ag Educator joins local Extension staff
OGLESBY, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce the addition of Emily Hansen as a Commercial Agriculture Educator serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Emily joined our team in November 2023 and has already hit the ground running with programs...
Farmland Owners Conference attracts over 220 attendees from 7 states
OGLESBY, Ill. – The 2024 Farmland Owners Conference held on November 28th, left attendees inspired, informed, and empowered. The event, held at Illinois Valley Community College, brought together over 220 landowners, agribusiness representatives, and industry experts to discuss the latest...
Pesticide applicator tests to be offered in winter 2025
OGLESBY, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties is offering the following testing-only sessions and certification program for pesticide applicators. Certification is required to apply restricted-use pesticides. All sessions are offered...
Sign up open for statewide in-person pesticide applicator training clinics
URBANA, Ill. — Get ahead of an expired pesticide license by signing up for one of the in-person training and testing clinics happening across Illinois from January through April. The University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program...
Mackenzie Sherman Competes in National Public Speaking Contest
Louisville, KY – November 9, 2024 – Mackenzie Sherman, a dedicated 4-H member from Bureau County, earned 7th place in the Public Speaking Contest at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup, held November 8-9, 2024, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. This...
Ag Field Day brings together students, growers, and industry experts
OGLESBY, Ill. — Illinois Valley Community College in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension hosted its annual Fall Field Day on September 6, 2024. IVCC Ag + Extension’s Fall Field Day gives both students and the community a chance to learn about the latest research updates...
Master Naturalists welcome 19 new environmental steward volunteers
OGLESBY, Ill. – The Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam County Master Naturalists welcomed 19 new volunteers to their ranks on September 17. Colleen Soon, Melissa Araujo, Joanne Fitzgerald, Janell Satler, Katee Johnson, Joann Bowman, Jenny Eckhardt, Jeff Nieman, Cyndi Nieman, Amy...
Marshall-Putnam 4-H Celebrates Achievements at Annual Awards Ceremony
The Marshall-Putnam University of Illinois Extension recently recognized outstanding achievements by 4-H members across Marshall and Putnam counties during an award ceremony held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Henry Presbyterian Church. This event highlighted the dedication of 4-H youth to...
Cultivating Tomorrows Leaders in 4-H
Oglesby, Ill. – 4-H members across Bureau, LaSalle, and Marshall-Putnam Counties learned ways to improve as officers at the 2024 gameshow-themed 4-H Officer Training event held Nov. 9 at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby.Youth learned about the various roles and...
Study: Invasive silver carp reduce movement in Chicago-area water
URBANA, Ill. — Invasive silver carp have been spreading throughout the Mississippi River Basin since their introduction a half-century ago. Yet, try as they might, the fish have not advanced beyond a particular stretch of the Illinois River north of Kankakee. Research from the...
Be cautious; watch for deer on roads in fall
URBANA, Ill. — While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall when traveling after dark.Not all...
Combat packing landfills by smashing pumpkins with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Fall is the pumpkin’s time to shine, but what happens when it is time to say goodbye to the short-lived jack-o'-lanterns?With Illinois consistently being the top producer of pumpkins across the country, there are a lot of pumpkins piling up and filling up landfills across...
Faced with environmental challenges, Illinois Extension Master Naturalists sow seeds of hope
MACOMB, Ill. — The beauty of autumn in west central Illinois is not subtle. Amber swaths of blooming goldenrod are adorned by monarch butterflies under a bright blue sky, which only ends when it meets the expanse of Illinois River wetlands, filled with the calls of migrating birds. This vibrant...
Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...
Study explores what families fight about: Communication, moods, and chores
URBANA, Ill. — Conflict in families can negatively affect individuals’ well-being and relationships. But what exactly do families today fight about, and is conflict in the home generally more severe between couples or between parents and children? A...
Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock production is an important component of U.S. agriculture, with global demand for meat and dairy expected to double in the coming decades. This increase will lead to intensified grazing on U.S. grasslands, potentially exacerbating water quality degradation from livestock...
Illinois Extension Master Gardener, Gay Kyle, receives state award
CHAMPAIGN, Ill — It’s often said that dedication blooms where it's nurtured. This sentiment rings true for Gay Kyle, who has been honored with the prestigious State Outstanding Master Gardener Award in 2024 for exceptional service and commitment to the community.Presented during the...
