Hunters, meat processors, and food pantries aim to solve hunger
URBANA, Ill. – When food prices are high, everyone takes a hit, including food pantries. But now, a local and widespread source of protein – venison – is making its way from the field onto plates providing 24,500 meals with the help of the...

Deer Donation program receives $25,000 to help feed Central Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. – More than a thousand Central Illinois families have been fed this winter thanks to a $25,000 grant from The Lumpkin Family Foundation. The foundation provided the grant to the University of Illinois Extension Deer Donation program in November to help reimburse meat processors....

Planning a new perennial garden? Plant for the whole garden ecosystem
URBANA, Ill. - Welcome to winter. The days are short and cold, and if you enjoy plants, hopefully, you have a few indoors to boost your mood. However, there is already light on the horizon. Spring will be here before you know it, and now is a wonderful time to plan out your new perennial gardens...

Illinois 4-H alumni to be honored in new awards program
URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Alumni Association is announcing a new Illinois 4-H alumni awards program to recognize alumni for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to...

Ready your agricultural operation for the changing climate
URBANA, Ill. – Weather trends are changing. Are you ready for how it will affect your agricultural operation or natural resources area? The Bi-State Climate monthly webinar series brings together Illinois and Indiana Extension experts to highlight important climate-related topics for...

Boost gut health with a tangy treat: Make sauerkraut at home
URBANA, Ill. – Probiotic-rich foods can enhance digestion and improve overall gut health. All are produced through fermentation, a food preservation method that has been used for thousands of years to naturally reduce the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness. Common foods include ...

Private Pesticide Applicator Testing Dates Announced
University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit is offering the following Testing-Only sessions and certification program for private pesticide applicators. Certification is required to apply restricted use pesticides. The sessions are in cooperation with the Illinois...

Horse Bowl & Hippology Club
Do you know a child age 8-18 that LOVES horses? Do they try to learn as much as they can about horses? Do they frequently share horse facts? Do they live in Bureau, LaSalle, or Marshall-Putnam Counties?  If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, then that child needs to join...

Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Volunteer Service Recognized at Annual Holiday Gathering
Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam County Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Volunteers were recognized for their years of service and individual projects at the Annual Holiday Gatherings in Ottawa and Henry.  Volunteers in these four counties have made a great impact on their...

Get the Scoop on Sodium
Join Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, Susan Glassman and “Get the Scoop on Sodium.”  Are you wondering which salt is the best? Or how much salt is needed each day? Salt is salt but can vary depending on several factors like geographical...

Get the dirt on growing healthy plants
URBANA, Ill. – Become a better gardener and find success nurturing plants indoors and out. Learn best practices for home gardening from University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators in the Four Seasons Gardening webinar series that begins...

Give your green thumb a hand, join vegetable gardening workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Dig in with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series that will cover how to grow a vegetable garden from seed to harvest. Whether growers have several acres or a patio with a few containers, now is the time to start planning for a successful...

Committee brings youth voice, perspective on the future of agriculture
URBANA, Ill. –  Four Illinois 4-H members will put their leadership skills into action while they build strong agricultural foundations for the future on the Youth Education in Agriculture (YEA) Committee through the Illinois Farm Bureau.  ...

Beef up your 2023 beef herd management
URBANA, Ill – Producers can improve herd management by learning latest research on cover crop performance, grazing farms, soil health, and drainage practices during the 2023 Dudley Smith Farm Winter Meeting. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 7 at the...

Burning local firewood this winter can save forests
URBANA, Ill. – Nothing beats the warmth of a crackling fireplace on these coldest days of the year. Each winter, as my family enjoys the cozy warmth of our woodstove room, I’m always thankful for the firewood supply we’ve been fortunate enough to accumulate. Most of the wood we burn...

What is driving the high suicide rate among farmers?
URBANA, Ill. — Josie Rudolphi is a professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign whose research examined suicide among farmers...

Former communications administrator for ACES and Illinois Extension passes away
William “Bill” Cupps’ contributions to the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) continue to be felt today through scholarships, college programs, and communication activities. Cupps passed away on December 2, 2022, at the age of 88. During an 11-year tenure...

Take small steps to improve, support the environment this winter
URBANA, Ill. – Widespread environmental issues like changing weather patterns and habitat loss can feel overwhelming, but small everyday choices make a difference. Explore sustainable maple syrup harvesting, tornado trends in the U.S., and what research says about how to support pollinators in...

Outstanding Illinois 4-H teens selected as national delegates
ATLANTA, GA -- Ten teens from Illinois attended a five-day national conference in Atlanta, GA designed to expand their skills, engage with other 4-H members, and provide inspiration. Delegates to National 4-H Congress are selected on their...

50 years of 4-H: One volunteer makes it her mission to serve youth and community
VIOLA, Ill. –  When Joyce Smith’s children joined 4-H in the 1970s, little did she know it would be the start of a half century journey. Now, Mercer County 4-H is celebrating the 50th year of this dedicated and passionate volunteer for her work uplifting countless young people, putting them...