News Releases

Are you ready to share a great meal during 4-H pork chop fundraiser?
Paris, Ill. – Edgar County 4-H’ers and their families look forward to serving you at the annual 4-H BBQ. The event will be held Saturday, June 25, from 4-7 p.m. at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Paris for drive-through only. No sit-down dining is available. Your $10 meal ticket includes two...
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Funds available to districts to replace school buses
URBANA, Ill. – Federal funding is now available for replacing older dirty school buses with cleaner vehicles, including electric school buses. University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Rivers Network are collaborating on a free online webinar...
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Cover crops not enough to improve soil after decades of continuous corn
  URBANA, Ill. – Although about 20% of Illinois cropping systems are planted to continuous corn, it’s nearly impossible to find fields planted this way for decades at a time. Yet long-term experiments like one at the University of Illinois, including over 40 years of continuous corn...
Is it time to stray off the beaten path for your grocery list?
Does your grocery list look the same every week? Is your family complaining about boring meals? Join Illinois Extension to learn how to take ordinary pantry staples and turn them into something new and exciting with a bit of effort. Off the Beaten Path will be held at the Paris Public...
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$3.9M USDA NIFA grant funds ‘Farm of the Future’
Urbana, Ill. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is funding a new collaboration between two institutes and a research center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that will create an integrated farm of the future in the U.S. Midwest. Titled “I-...
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Learn what research reveals for current health challenges
URBANA, Ill. – The rush of summer activities can interrupt healthy routines. Researchers from University of Illinois can help guide your summer health choices. A series of seven workshops will dive into a wide range of topics, from fitness to brain health.  The free online...
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Young farmers seek solutions to entry barriers
URBANA, Ill. – Young and beginning farmers face many challenges, including access to land, financial capital, technical knowledge and support, social networks, adequate labor, marketing experience, health insurance, and childcare. University of Illinois Extension is wading through the...
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Bugs can be a solution for high-tunnel farmers
SIMPSON, Ill. – More Illinois specialty crop growers are planting in high tunnels to benefit from the extended growing season, increased crop diversity, higher yields, and improved quality. But high tunnels come with their own unique challenges including insect pests that can cause major...
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Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame volunteers honored for selfless dedication
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently honored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation for their...
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Slow stormwater, prevent floods with rain friendly landscaping
URBANA, Ill. – Life does not exist without water. Gardens don’t grow without water. But what happens when there is too much of a good thing? Or when that good thing is mismanaged and becomes a misfortune. Or when there are prolonged periods of drought?“The tale of stormwater is more...
Intergenerational workshop offers chance to bake, share and dream together
Family heirlooms aren't always jewelry or furniture. For some, a family recipe is their most precious inheritance. The smell of fresh-baked bread might conjure memories of cooking with a grandparent or sitting around a table with extended family. Illinois Extension wants to ensure your...