Record number of youth compete for superior young livestock producer honor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A record number of 4-H members from across Illinois competed for scholarships in the 2022 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest held on Aug.10 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Fifty-two competitors vied for this year's top honors.
This...
New U of I farm apprenticeship turns out veggies and well-equipped farmers
URBANA, Ill. – A new University of Illinois program will train beginner specialty crop growers in every aspect of farm operation and management. The year-long Illinois Small Farm Apprenticeship Program offers new farmers opportunities to learn by doing and to deepen that experiential knowledge...
Bureau County 4-Hers receive honors at Illinois State Fair
Bureau County 4-H state fair delegates participated in the Illinois State Fair on August 13th, 2022. Receiving Reserve honors were Haven Pierson, Western Winning Wonders 4-H Club, for her Visual Arts: Glass/Plastic project and Serenity Stone, Zearing 4-H Club, for her Visual Arts: Wood...
Community gardens fight food insecurity close to home
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soils in the world. No one should go hungry here. Every year, Illinois Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers around the state fight food insecurity with fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden.
By working with local...
Native prairie grasses create distinct, breezy aesthetic in home landscape
URBANA, Ill. — Nothing beats the light and airy look of tall, distinctive grasses in a landscape arrangement. The fluffy seedheads and slender, attractive stems practically dance in the wind on breezy days, adding texture as well as a structural element to any landscape bed. ...
Make informed decisions for your beef herd
BAYLIS, Ill., – Producers weigh management options to build profitable cattle herds. Researchers at this year's Orr Beef Research Center Field Day will review several management practices to consider.
The field at begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Ag Sciences Complex and Fred...
Fall gardening is your time to plan for beautiful spring
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production take year-round effort. University of Illinois Extension provides timely tips in its fall edition of the popular Four Seasons Gardening horticulture workshops.
Each...
New translation specialist improves Extension’s outreach to multilingual communities
URBANA, Ill. – For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension has translated on-campus research into practical tools and information to help communities across the state solve problems. Now, that power of translation will give multilingual communities in Illinois full access to...
Taking time to select plants for difficult growing conditions helps long-term success
URBANA, Ill – Difficult growing conditions leave gardeners stumped when selecting plants. These planting areas may include alkaline soils, dry shade, over a septic tank, a large local deer population, and more.
Always consider the existing site conditions when selecting new plants for...
New Watershed Outreach Associate aims for clear waters through community engagement
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re managing a large farm or running a lawn care company, how to manage nutrient and water resources effectively and sustainably isn’t always clear. The University of Illinois Extension team of water specialist...
Vern, Leona Shaffer family's 4-H legacy honored by 4-H Foundation
URBANA, Ill. – As a 50-year active Ursa Indian Grave Home Extension club member in Adams County, the late Leona Shaffer sparked a lasting love for Extension and 4-H. Over five generations, 42 Shaffer family members have contributed a combined 346 years of 4-H club membership. Their legacy is...
New leadership announced for Illinois Extension regions
URBANA, Ill. – As the outreach arm of the state’s land-grant university, University of Illinois Extension translates research and knowledge into practical applications for Illinois residents to help them create solutions to local challenges.
Extension has a local presence in every...
McCoy's Extension leadership expanded with appointment as assistant director
URBANA, Ill. – Janice McCoy has provided University of Illinois Extension educational programs and leadership for residents of Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties for more than 20 years. Now, McCoy will oversee 39 counties in western and central Illinois as the region's newest...
