Identify, avoid, and manage troublesome wild parsnip
URBANA, Ill. — I love parsnips. Often parsnips, large white carrot-like root vegetables, are substituted for celery in my soups and stews. The cultivated parsnip that we eat heralds from the appropriately named wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa. However, wild parsnip is a plant to avoid. The wild...
Sangamon County resident named national lifetime volunteer award finalist
URBANA, Ill. – Sangamon County resident Jerry Hicks has been named as a finalist for the National 4-H Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award and the award winner for the north central region of the country.
Hicks has...
Illinois at increased risk of drought conditions
Parts of northeast, western, and central Illinois have been much drier than normal in the past 4 to 6 weeks, causing dry soils and lower streamflow. Perennials, gardens, and young trees in these areas have begun to show some response to the dryness, requiring more frequent watering than typical...
What’s in a name? The roots of fruit and vegetable names are long and intertwined
URBANA, Ill. – While Ireland is known for potatoes and Italy for its tomato-based sauces, many iconic fruits and vegetables have a tangled global history that has led to what ends up in your garden or on your plate. If someone says aubergine and you say eggplant, or maybe chickpeas and garbanzo...
Marshall-Putnam Youth robotics team excels at 4-H Hydrobot Robotics Competition
Photo: L-R, Marhall-Putnam Senior Team: Gwen Heeley, Samantha Nauman, Lillian Lindstrom, Waylon Lindstrom, Daphne Heeley, Caleb Wiesbrock, Logan Siegmann, and Cooper Hattan.
Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments...
Embryology in the Classroom
Fieldcrest, Henry, Midland, and Putnam County schools participated in an Embryology unit through Marshall-Putnam Ag in the Classroom. Over the course of 21 days, students patiently waited for the chicks to hatch. A huge thank you to Saratoga Homestead for providing the fertilized eggs! Kits were...
Strengthen your farm's resiliency with legal training for Illinois small farms
URBANA, Ill. — Legal risks can be fatal to a farm business and addressing them proactively can keep farms in business. The relief of understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their circumstances....
Automated agricultural machinery requires new approaches to ensuring safety
URBANA, Ill. — From self-driving tractors to weeding robots and AI-powered data collection, automated machinery is revolutionizing agricultural production. While these technological advancements can greatly improve productivity, they also raise new questions about safety measures and regulations...
Expand your knowledge of regenerative agriculture at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
URBANA, Ill. — Whether you are a farmer, producer, or consumer, it is important to stay informed on current and upcoming agricultural practices. The ag industry is fast-paced and filled with technology pushing efficiency forward. Without these advancements, farmers could not continue to feed the...
Adopt an Island and Participate in a Free Native Plant Care Training
Photo: Master Gardeners teaching at Hall High School Conservation Garden project
Spring is here and some of us are still in search of a tropical island. Did you know that you have Islands in your own backyard? These islands are not sand covered. Instead, they are filled with native...
Summer-long University of Illinois Agronomy Days kick off May 20
URBANA, Ill. — Last year, the University of Illinois tried something new with its longstanding Agronomy Day. After more than six decades, the single-day ag education event was no more. Instead, the Department of Crop...
Tank-mixing herbicides may not be enough to avoid herbicide resistance
URBANA, Ill. — Eight years ago, University of Illinois and USDA-ARS scientists turned weed control on its head. More and more herbicide resistant weeds were popping up, and the pest plants were getting harder to kill. It was clear farmers could no longer rely on the same chemicals year after...
Art and culture: A path to progress and community development
URBANA, Ill. — Artists, arts organizations and collectives, and arts activities, in general, can play a valuable role in economic and social development, as well as in the long-term sustainability of communities. Creating artistic spaces fosters connections across sectors to improve physical and...
Bugged by houseplant pests? Give carnivorous plants a try
URBANA, Ill. – During the chilly, dreary winter months, I enjoy my green houseplants that add a bright spot in my office and living space. So when I was visiting a new specialty plant shop this fall, I had to add a new plant friend, “Ping,” to my collection.
If you have ever dealt with...
Take proactive steps to improve overall economic well-being
URBANA, Ill. – In these times, many people feel overwhelmed by financial worries and feel uncomfortable talking about it. Whatever the circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, relieve stress and anxiety and regain control of finances.
Gain the financial...
Carnivorous Plant Workshop
Remember the Venus Fly Trap you always wanted as a child? It was amazing! Carnivorous plants are unique and fascinating plants that have captured people’s imaginations for years. Master Gardeners from the Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam Counties University of Illinois Extension will be...
Marshall-Putnam 4-H Youth learn public-speaking skills that last a lifetime
4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Two youth from Marshall-Putnam 4-H group recently put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at Parkland College April...
