New online agriculture course grows skills in identifying corn, soybean field insects
URBANA, Ill. — One thing is for sure, if there is a farm field, insects will visit it. Having the skills to identify insects inhabiting crop fields across the Midwest improves one’s ability to identify and effectively manage insect pests while avoiding unnecessary interventions that may...
Pollinator garden flourishes at Danville Public Library
DANVILLE, Ill. — As someone strolls along the sidewalk in front of the Danville Public Library, they are greeted by the enchanting sight of bees, wasps, a variety of butterflies, and even some mydas flies flitting between the vibrant, colorful flowers of a thriving...
Attend field day to learn how agrivoltaics boosts energy, resiliency in food production
URBANA, Ill. — Continuing to feed a growing world is the agriculture industry's future, and the demand for sustainability is here. One avenue of exploration includes agrivoltaics or solar energy within production agriculture.“The relatively recent idea combines solar panels for...
Hard work pays off at Ford County Livestock Show
MELVIN, Ill — Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Ford County 4-H Livestock Show. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they show the "best of the best" during the annual...
4-Hers shine at Ford County Fair
MELVIN, Ill — 4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Ford County Fair 4-H Project Show on June 24. In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interests them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and talents on a new path to...
Head Start staff invited to learn about BMI measurement, communication best practices
URBANA, Ill. — Every year, Head Start programs collect children’s body mass index data and communicate results to families to address childhood obesity in enrolled children. In a recently published research article, Head Start staff across the country shared that there is a lack of guidance on...
Tips for getting landscape plants through summer
URBANA, Ill. — While much of the work done in the garden happens in the spring, that doesn’t mean growers can coast through summer. Supplemental watering, weeding, and managing pests will go a long way to keep landscapes growing through the summer. WaterAs...
Top dogs: 4-Hers showcasing talent and dedication at dog show
URBANA, Ill. — Enthusiastic cheers and wagging tails set the stage as young dog handlers from Champaign County displayed their dedication, skill, and love for their canine companions at this year's Champaign County 4-H Dog Show. These exciting events provided a...
First of its kind study shines light on LGBTQ+ farmer mental health
URBANA, Ill. — LGBTQ+ people involved in farm work are over three times more likely to experience depression and suicidal intent and about two and a half times more likely to experience anxiety than the general population. That’s according to a...
To survive the summer heat, choose plants built for the sizzle
URBANA, Ill. — Summer can be a scorcher, but by selecting the right plants, a landscape can still look sultry all summer long.Both trialed and native plants can tolerate the heat. Trial plants are evaluated throughout the season for heat tolerance and can be planted in the ground or...
Illinois Extension offers tips to boost your brainpower
DANVILLE, Ill — Looking to sharpen your mind and boost your brainpower? This double-feature event tackles both cognitive health and nutrition! Illinois Extension's Family Life and Nutrition and Wellness Teams are bringing an...
Champaign County Master Gardeners' "Garden Gatherings" Attracts Over 1,000 Visitors
Champaign, IL - The Champaign County Master Gardeners' annual Garden Walk, "Garden Gatherings," was a blooming success on Saturday, June 15th, attracting over 1,000 garden enthusiasts.The self-guided tour showcased five Champaign County homeowners' stunning private...
Youth master essential skills through livestock judging competition
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2024 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 17. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a...
AgrAbility provides more resources, expands chronic disease webinar series through summer
URBANA, Ill. — Experiencing symptoms from chronic disease is a daily and often private occurrence for many. Illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, liver disease, bipolar disorder, or other chronic long-term conditions can cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, anxiety,...
Take care of your trees with summer Forestry Stewardship Series
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has 4.8 million acres of tree-covered land. From shading homes and feeding wildlife to producing oxygen and filtering water, trees do a lot of heavy lifting. Give them a hand by discovering innovative, research-based management options in the summer Forestry...
Emerald ash borer continues spread through Illinois; Extension can help manage
URBANA, Ill. — While much of Illinois has been focused on the emergence of periodical cicadas in the summer of 2024, another insect is buzzing about that is more than a nuisance; it’s a threat to ash trees everywhere. In June, the...
4-H Cloverbuds bloom at Cloverbud Camp
ONARGA, Ill — 46 curious Cloverbuds from Ford and Iroquois Counties got a taste of “Big Kid 4-H” from 27 teenage 4-Hers from the Emerging Leaders SPIN Club at Cloverbud Camp on June 5, 2024, at the Ford-Iroquois Counties Extension Office. This fun-filled day featured everything from dog...
Provide resources to pollinators in any space with container gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Supporting pollinators has become increasingly important as concerns over pollinator population decline are more evident. The good news is that even small spaces can provide resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Container gardens are one solution for...
Specialist and migratory birds at greater risk under climate change
URBANA, Ill. — Following decades of decline, even fewer birds will darken North American skies by the end of the century, according to a new analysis by scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their...
Gardening for a hummingbird's travels
URBANA, Ill. — Hummingbirds are unlike any other bird. Spanning the Americas with over 330 species, hummingbirds belong to Trochilidae, the second-largest bird family in the world. However, only the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) inhabits the Midwest....
