Youth dog show competition sees record high entries
DIXON, Ill. – Youth from across the state competed for top honors at the State 4-H Dog Show held at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Center in Dixon on Aug. 27. A record 204 youth competed in this year’s competition. “I attribute the large turnout...

Crop Research Field Day
Illinois Valley Community College Agriculture, in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, will host a Crop Research Field Day Friday, Sept. 23 at IVCC’s agricultural research plot, 815...

Aerial applications going full speed ahead this season
URBANA, Ill. – This year, nearly all of Illinois has experienced hot and humid conditions that can lead to fungal pathogens and insect pests in crops. Farmers can use ground equipment to apply fungicides or insecticides, but the machinery is slow and can injure crops. So, to protect their...

Keep garden, plants hydrated going into fall
URBANA, Ill. — This summer has brought drought to many parts of Illinois. Most gardeners are aware that plants need water to thrive, but it can be helpful to review the ins and outs of garden hydration to ensure the best results.  “Many environmental conditions factor into...

Bureau County 4-Hers see success at state livestock shows
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Clover Buddies
Are you looking for something fun for your child to do once a month? Have you thought about exploring 4-H, but don’t know what it’s all about? Do you have a busy schedule and need time for yourself? If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, there is a program for you! University...

Competitors build communication, teamwork skills in statewide eSports competition
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Youth from across Illinois built communication and teamwork skills as they competed in the 2022 Tech Prairie eSports Competition as part of the...

Grassy weeds becoming more common in lawns
URBANA, Ill. — When confronted with lawn weeds, typically we think of dandelion, creeping Charlie, and violet. These plants and many others are classified as broadleaved weeds, or dicots, and are easily distinguished from grasses which are monocots. Scientists have engineered herbicides that...

A scary good time set for 4-H Cloverbuds
Get in the spirit of ghouls and goblins with a spooky spiderweb craft, story, and more during the upcoming 4-H Cloverbud Halloween Hoopla.  On Tuesday, October 25th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, youth ages...

Marshall-Putnam 4-H Shines at the Illinois State Fair
Thirty-five members from the Marshall-Putnam 4-H program participated at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 13.  State Fair delegates were chosen at the Marshall-Putnam 4-H Show in July. Every delegate received a participation ribbon in honor of his or her achievement at State Fair...

Master Showmanship contest held at Marshall-Putnam 4-H Show
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Illinois youth compete to launch real-world space missions at national competition
MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – Youth from Illinois, Florida, Indiana, and Arizona gained valuable STEM experiences as they planned and competed to launch real-world space missions at the Go For Launch event at the...

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...

Pollinator Celebration held at Hall High School
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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.   ...

New video series highlights five revitalized Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Many Great Lakes communities that have carried the burden of legacy pollution for decades have an opportunity for a new lease on life when local waterways are finally cleaned up. A new video series ...

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...