News Releases

Hansley Spitz and her dog Maverick
Champaign County 4-Hers lead the pack at State Dog Show
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The recent Illinois State 4-H Dog Show was a triumph for several Champaign County 4-H members, who showcased their exceptional skills and dedication in various categories. Held annually, this prestigious event brings together young dog...
A 4-Her shows off her project to a judge
Iroquois County Fair highlights talented 4-Hers
WATSEKA, Ill – 4-H youth displayed their passion and hard work at the Iroquois County Fair 4-H Project Show on July 22 - 26. 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...
A 4-her and a cow.
Iroquois County 4-H Livestock Show highlights hard work
WATSEKA, Ill – Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Iroquois County 4-H Livestock and Animal Shows. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they show the "best of the best"...
Five Vermilion County Master Gardener Volunteers posing for a picture.
Empowering veterans through gardening: the Master Gardeners and the VA
DANVILLE, Ill — As you approach the VA Greenhouse, the first thing that catches your eye are the vegetable gardens and the cart that holds the produce, asking visitors to take what they need. Nearby, the cutting garden bursts with colorful blooms. Stepping inside the greenhouse, you’re greeted...
A smiling child talking to an adult about their fair project.
Georgetown Fair showcases the best of Vermilion County 4-Hers
GEORGETOWN, Ill – 4-H youth displayed their passion and hard work at the Georgetown Fair 4-H Project Show on July 6, 2024. 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...
A 4-her and a cow.
Hard work rewarded at Vermilion County 4-H Livestock Exhibition
GEORGETOWN, Ill – Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Vermilion County 4-H Livestock Show at the Georgetown Fairgrounds. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they show the...
A smiling child talking to an adult about their fair project.
4-H youth shine at Champaign County Fair
URBANA, Ill – 4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the Champaign County Fair 4-H Project Show on July 21 and 22. 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...
4-Hers working with sheep.
Dedication pays off at Champaign County 4-H Livestock Show
URBANA, Ill – Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members showcased theiranimals at this year's Champaign County 4-H Livestock and Animal Shows. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they show the "best of the...
Siqi Hu and Christy Vasilopoulos
Champaign County welcomes two new SNAP-Ed community workers
CHAMPAIGN, Ill — Illinois Extension and Illinois Nutrition Education Programs are pleased to announce the addition of two new members to the Champaign County team: Christy Vasilopoulos and Siqi Hu. Both bring unique backgrounds and skills that will enhance the impact of SNAP-Ed programs in the...
Purple background with gradient, Master Gardener logo, and "2024 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference" text.
Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024...
Superior young producers pose with banner.
2024 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Skillathon winners announced
Springfield, IL – The 2024 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest was held on Aug. 7 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Forty-three 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. This is a three-phase competition challenging the young 4-H member...
a field of straw and cover crops
Farmers share how to keep your soil on your fields
EFFINGHAM, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This August, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil...
Take steps to address climate change at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. — It’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking about the impacts of climate change. While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. Learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community in a...
A tree buried by grade change during construction causing a hole around it.
Protect trees and their roots during construction projects
URBANA, Ill. — While essential for development, construction projects often damage trees and their intricate root systems. Even the beautiful trees that are sitting on a site and desired to be kept following construction can become damaged and later experience decline....
A person flying a drone above a herd of beef cattle standing in a pasture for grazing management.
Explore cutting-edge agricultural technology with I-FARM Learning Series
URBANA, Ill. — Identifying on-farm needs to increase efficiency, safety, practicality, and overall profitability is where ideas for adapting technology begin. From there, advancing technology for productivity and sustainability seems to be more within reach in a changing agricultural landscape....