News Releases

A cut open avocado
Avocado meal, a novel fiber source for dogs
URBANA, Ill. – When avocados were first recognized as a nutrient-dense superfood for humans, consumption skyrocketed. Today, consumers buy and eat the fresh fruit (hello, avocado toast),...
A man looking worried
Talking about money doesn't have to be stressful
  URBANA, Ill. – Many households experience stress and anxiety about their personal finances. These intense feelings of uneasiness and discontent can lead to misinformation and negative money behaviors. University of Illinois Extension is providing a series of six free...
New Member Project Workshop in LaSalle County
University of Illinois Extension invites registered LaSalle County 4-H members, aged 8 to 18, in their first or second year of 4-H to participate in the upcoming New Member Project Night. ...
Crop scientists explore using predator insects to eat pests in high tunnels
URBANA, Ill. – Crouched between rows of tomatoes and peppers tucked inside a high tunnel, researchers pluck insects off plants in the name of science. Because to catch a pest, you may have to release a predator. The flourishing local foods movement is driving more Illinois farmers to...
Pelleted seed gives gardeners a sown in advantage
URBANA, Ill. – Have you noticed the windowed packets of seeds at garden centers with brightly colored “seeds”? These pelleted seeds are small or irregular seed that have a specialized inert coating applied to improve planting, spacing, and germination. Often the coating, which increases the...
Digging into soil data helps inform green infrastructure design
URBANA, Ill. – Managing stormwater has become more challenging as urban development increases, storms get bigger and sewer systems can’t keep up. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant funded a University of Illinois project to help communities add green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) to their strategies...
Secure your farm's security by knowing your legal rights
URBANA, Ill. – Legal risks can be fatal to a farm business. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their circumstances. University of Illinois Extension partners with Farm Commons for a four-part series on legal issues for farms....
Illinois pesticide program honored by national association
ST. LOUIS – A team of Illinois Extension pesticide safety education experts received a national award from The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance during its annual conference held virtually in February. The Program Innovation Award...
Bureau County 4-Hers shine at local public speaking contest
4-H excels in preparing youth to speak confidently. The 4-H Public Presentation Contest held on Monday, March 14th showcased the talents of Bureau County 4-H members in categories of formal, illustrated, and original works....
Get growing with indoor kitchen garden
URBANA, Ill. – Growing food is not limited to outdoors in the summer. With some planning, you can grow food indoors throughout the year. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle says that before starting an indoor kitchen garden, it is essential to...
Strive to Thrive series will teach youth fundamentals to help them flourish
MARSHALL, Ill. – All youth should feel a sense of purpose, joy, and direction in their lives. Sometimes though, it may seem like some aren't as engaged as they could be. Illinois 4-H knows the importance of thriving and is offering four online workshops for all youth ages twelve and older to...
Come Explore Cloverbuds with LaSalle County 4-H
University of Illinois Extension invites LaSalle County youth ages 5 to 7 to Explore 4-H Cloverbuds. On Sunday, April 10th from 1 to 3 pm staff and 4-H members will have spring...
Bureau County 4-H first aid in action workshop offered
Have you ever thought about what might happen if someone got hurt at your house? What would you do? You can be prepared for an emergency by making a first aide kit.  Youth ages 8 – 18 will learn about common injuries, and the tools needed to treat them, before creating their own first aid...
Youth ready to train 6,000 peers in ag innovation
URBANA, Ill. – 4-H youth from six states convened at the 2022 National 4-H Council Ag Innovators Experience on the University of Illinois campus Feb. 4-6. Illinois 4-H staff and University of Illinois...