Midwestern farmer feedback requested to guide $10M resilient agriculture project
URBANA, Ill. – The Diverse Corn Belt project is seeking farmer input through focus groups and in-field research. This is a multidisciplinary project exploring alternative crops, longer rotations, integrating livestock and perennials that could help increase resilience in Midwest agriculture....
Produce donation program improves health and nutrition at food pantries
URBANA, Ill. – Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois, a program from Illinois...
Reduce impact of extreme temperatures on power grid
URBANA, Ill. - The National Weather Service reports that portions of the Midwest have experienced record-breaking, early-season heat, including numerous record highs and heat index values above 105 degrees....
Edgar County 4-H'ers prepping for the summer show
Members of the one dozen Edgar County 4-H clubs are putting the final touches on projects they plan to show at the 2022 Edgar County 4-H Show on July 16 and 22-27 at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Paris. The 4-H show is the culmination of a year's worth of learning and working for the nearly 175 4-H'ers...
Crawford County 4-H'ers prepping for the summer show
Members of the many area 4-H clubs are putting the final touches on projects they plan to show at the 2022 Crawford County 4-H Show held July 21-28. The 4-H show is the culmination of a year’s worth of learning and working for the nearly 200 4-H’ers in the county who have been attending club...
Clark County 4-H'ers prepping for the summer show
Members of the many Clark County 4-H clubs are putting the final touches on projects they plan to show at the 2022 Clark County 4-H Show held July 22-28 at the Martinsville Fairgrounds. The 4-H show is the culmination of a year's worth of learning and working for the nearly 350 4-H'ers in the...
Feed your community by safely donating homegrown fruits, vegetables
URBANA, Ill. – When home gardens are bursting with an overabundance of fresh produce, growers start looking for ways to share their bounty. Backyard gardeners can help feed their community by donating fruits and vegetables to local food pantries.
Growers planning on...
Can Foods Safely this Summer with Free Test from Extension
To ensure safety in the home canning process, pressure canner dial gauges should be tested once per year. This canning season, University of Illinois Extension offers free dial gauge pressure canner testing at your local office.
Over time, the accuracy of a dial gauge can become...
Guide outlines steps to take when pesticide drift occurs
URBANA, Ill. – Pesticides assist in managing pests. People should use precise application techniques detailed on the label so they don’t endanger people, pets, livestock, plants, and the environment.
Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto...
Midwestern hemp database applications open until July 24
URBANA, Ill. – Industrial hemp is one of the fasting growing crops across Midwestern fields and researchers are recruiting producers in the race to learn more.
University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educators are working...
Livestock judging helps youth improve local herds
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2022 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus on June 20. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard...
Microclovers making a comeback as lawns grow in biodiversity
URBANA, Ill. – Clovers are making a comeback in lawn seed mixes. Today many families want to attract more pollinators to their yards. They are searching for ecologically sound ways to grow grass, including adding white clover back to the turf seed mix. Clover adds diversity to lawns and...
Baking bread is a timeless intergenerational activity to bring families together
Baking bread uses all senses; the smooth dough, the burping bubbles, the smell coming from the oven, the crusty brown top, and the wholesome taste bring about good feelings of togetherness.
Intergenerational participants had the chance to experience these senses during the Illinois...
Protect the delicate balance of our natural world
URBANA, Ill. – The impact of human activity on the planet is revealing itself in the soil, rivers, streams, and lakes. Three free online University of Illinois Extension webinars this summer will focus on the impact environmental changes with water and soil can have on the long-term health of...
To outsmart weeds in the garden, take multiple approaches
URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners know, weeds will grow nearly anywhere. Even cracks in the pavement can sustain plant life if there is soil, water, and light. Whether a plant is considered a weed depends on how it is affecting the intended use of the site and who is looking at it....
Illinois youth tackle a new challenge
Urbana, IL – Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Bass Challenge in May.
While competition is the focus, participating youth take away much more from the experience.
“The intention of this...
