Expanding food access to Illinois residents
One in 10 people in Illinois struggle with hunger every day, including one in eight children. When families are hungry, making healthier choices can be even more difficult. The Illinois Deer Donation Program provides a pathway to expand community access to lean protein throughout East-Central...
Outstanding volunteers honored at State Fair ceremony
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Outstanding 4-H volunteers were celebrated as part of the 2022 class of the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame at a ceremony held as part of the 4-H General Project Show at the Illinois State Fair...
Illinois 4-H invites alumni to join 4-H history project
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is proud of the rich history of 4-H and the network of 4-H alums near and far. Alums of the Illinois 4-H program share a unique bond with over 25 million Americans across the country.
Illinois 4-H has launched a new initiative for the Illinois 4-H History...
Educational contest increases knowledge of the dairy industry
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The 2022 Superior Young Dairy Producer Award program was held August 20 at the Illinois State Fair. Twenty 4-H dairy project members from across Illinois took part in the event, which is held each year to create an educational activity that promotes youth...
Bats’ midnight snacks reveal clues for managing endangered species
URBANA, Ill. – How do we bring threatened and endangered animals back from the brink? The task is never easy or simple, but one thing is undeniably true: If we don’t understand these animals and what they need to survive, we have little chance of success.
Saving bats, then, is arguably a...
Stretch out the growing season with fall planted salad greens
URBANA, Ill. – When people think of fall, harvesting salad greens rarely comes to mind; however, late summer is a terrific time for gardeners to begin planting lettuce, arugula, endive, or other leafy greens for salads says Nancy Kreith...
Extend the season with fall flowers for your beds, borders, and containers
URBANA, Ill. – Fall blooming plants extend the season of our gardens after many plants have dried up or are done blooming for the year. They are also a much-needed food source for pollinators who are still foraging and getting ready for winter.
Prolong the floral show in your yard with...
Edgar County 4-H invites families to fall festival during National 4-H Week
Paris, Ill. - 4-H is empowering youth and preparing them for future success, and they are inviting local youth to join the club!
Illinois 4-H challenges youth to "learn by doing" with fun, hands-on activities in which kids can learn, practice, and...
Build money management skills early for a solid financial future
URBANA, Ill. — Building positive money habits early in life paves the way for long-term financial stability, but navigating topics such as spending, saving, investing, and managing debt can feel overwhelming, especially for young adults who are tackling financial responsibilities for the first...
Soil forecasting project seeks survey input for app development
URBANA, Ill. – For farmers and agribusiness leaders, accessing reliable and timely soil condition data can drive important soil management decisions that affect both short- and long-term production success.
A research collaboration between University of Illinois and...
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...
Do you know the secret to growing trees from a nut/seed?
Written by Jan Phipps, Edgar County Master Gardener
It’s September, and soon acorns, tree nuts, and other tree seeds will drop. With many nuts/seeds in the yard, it is natural to think about using some to start your own trees. It can be done; however, there is much to consider if you...
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...
Clark County 4-H’ers excel at the Illinois State Fair
Marshall, Ill. - 4-H members from Clark County exhibited their general and livestock projects at this year's Illinois State Fair, alongside 4-H'ers from across the state. Sixty-three members were chosen to advance to the State Fair after exhibiting outstanding project work at the local 4-H show...
4-H members from Crawford County excel at Illinois State Fair
Robinson, Ill. - 4-H members from Crawford County exhibited their general and livestock projects at this year's Illinois State Fair, alongside 4-H'ers from across the state. Twenty-three members were chosen to advance to the State Fair after exhibiting outstanding project work at the local 4-H...
4-H members from Edgar County excel at Illinois State Fair
Paris, Ill. - 4-H members from Edgar County exhibited their general and livestock projects at this year's Illinois State Fair, alongside 4-H'ers from across the state. Thirty-nine members were chosen to advance to the State Fair after exhibiting outstanding project work at the local 4-H show...
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...
