Extending Knowledge. Changing Lives.

Learn more about Extension

From home kitchen to starting a Cottage Business

Turn your recipes into revenue by learning how to sell food from your home kitchen.

Have questions about your garden, lawn, or tree?

Submit your questions to our Virtual Horticulture Helpline, and we'll answer your questions at no cost.

Emergency Food Resources for Cass, Morgan, and Scott County

Agency information for help with locating food resources.

Upcoming Events

Gardening on a Budget

April 14, 2026

Land Leasing Basics

April 14, 2026

State 4-H Horse Bowl, Horse Speaking, and Hippology Contests

April 18, 2026 - April 19, 2026

State 4-H Public Speaking Contest

April 25, 2026

More Events

News Releases

A black angus bull side view pose outdoors for sale catalog listing style

January 28, 2026

Bid on trusted genetics to strengthen cattle herds at annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale
URBANA, Ill. — Enhancing cattle herds with trusted genetics can strengthen beef operations. Get started by attending the annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 at...

January 16, 2026

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
URBANA, Ill. — Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can now differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions of riverine nitrogen pollution in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The advancement, published in...

Delegates in formal wear pose in front of curtains.

January 15, 2026

Illinois 4-H youth among nation’s top teen leaders at National 4-H Congress
ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational...

Members of Extension Academy and ACES/Extension leadership

January 14, 2026

Illinois Extension Academy cohort poised to cultivate collaboration and impact
URBANA, Ill. — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen any project, especially when they help deliver the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s latest research and best practices to communities across Illinois and beyond.With the start of the...

January 13, 2026

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

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Programs We Offer

4-H Youth Development