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...
Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...
Resources and research offered at Marketing Rural Tourism workshop
ELMWOOD, Ill. – For those who live in a small town the benefits of small town living seem obvious. However it can be a challenge for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and draw in tourism traffic. There are various tools and ideas available for organizations,...
Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...
