Illinois SNAP-Ed summits bring awareness to hunger, food insecurity
URBANA, Ill. — One in eleven people in Illinois struggle with food insecurity daily, including one in nine children, according to Feeding America. When families are hungry, making a healthy food choice is not always an easy...
Use weed clues to dig up environmental issues like fertility, soil compaction, moisture issues
Winter is a good time to make garden plans, and one constant issue gardeners face every growing season is weeds. While weeds can be frustrating, they can also be saying more about a yard than you think.
Weeds can be found in a wide range of locations. Some weedy plants are more likely to...
Spread Love and Gratitude: Youth Card-Making Event for Local Vets
MOUNT CARROLL, Il. – In a heartwarming initiative to express gratitude to our local veterans, Carroll County 4-H is excited to announce a series of Valentine's Day card-making workshops for youth ages 5 and up. The workshops will take place at four different locations, offering...
Put Ready…Set…Grow…on Your March Calendars: A Blooming Celebration of Gardening Wisdom
In a delightful ode to the forthcoming spring, the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties proudly announce the return of the highly anticipated "Ready…Set…Grow…" gardening workshop. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 23, 2024, as...
Ask questions, get answers for planting season at 2024 Illinois Crop Management Conference
URBANA, Ill. — As the new year begins, crop producers, consultants, and industry professionals already have the year’s crop on their minds. Stay up to date with research updates and opportunities impacting statewide crop production at the 2024 Illinois Crop Management Conference with...
Thriving Communities webinars offered for grant navigation, strategic planning
URBANA, Ill. — Sustainable development in Illinois encounters challenges in balancing resource demand with responsible management. Transitioning to sustainable infrastructure involves substantial investment and planning, including upgrading existing structures for energy efficiency and...
Weather a changing climate on the farm now and in the future
The only thing certain about modern farming is that things are always changing, and today’s weather isn’t your grandparents’ weather. Growing seasons are shifting, and extreme weather events like storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more common. The University of Illinois...
Soil Health to be discussed at Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit
Is building soil health while maintaining crop yields possible in Northern Climates? Over the past five years, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been exploring the possibilities of incorporating reduced tillage and winter rye into corn and soybean crop rotations. This work has proven very...
Register for a local 2024 Certified Livestock Manager Training session
URBANA, Ill. — Depending on an operation’s size, livestock manager training certification is required for many Illinois production livestock facilities. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals responsible...
Shifting USDA plant hardiness map reflects changing climate, changes for plants
URBANA, Ill. — On a cold, blustery January day, it may be hard to remember that 2023 was the hottest year on record. But the newest update to the plant hardiness map, in which half the country shifted to warmer zones, is a stark reminder that the climate is changing and changing fast....
Explore green space stewardship practices, emerging trends at 2024 Gateway Green Conference
URBANA, Ill. — Evolving research and environmental changes make it more important than ever for professionals who work with trees, landscapes, natural areas, and parks to remain current with responsible stewardship practices, understand how to successfully manage emerging diseases and pests, and...
Scaling up urban agriculture: Research team outlines roadmap
URBANA, Ill. — Urban agriculture has the potential to decentralize food supplies, provide environmental benefits like wildlife habitat, and mitigate environmental footprints, but researchers have identified knowledge gaps regarding both the benefits and risks of urban agriculture and the...
Opportunity to learn practical money management strategies
URBANA, Ill. — Navigating financial management can often seem overwhelming and intimidating, particularly for those uncertain about how to begin. Studies have shown that financial stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, having access to practical...
Discuss beef cattle management at Dudley Smith Farm winter meeting
URBANA, Ill. — Discussions and decisions made during the winter months can impact managing a beef cattle operation all year. The Dudley Smith Winter Farm Meeting is a chance to come together to learn through the farm’s traditions, sustainable agriculture practices, and hands-on research...
Did you forget to water your plants? Try low-maintenance succulents
URBANA, Ill. — Liven up your home this winter by introducing carefree and cheery succulents. Succulents offer interesting shapes and colors with their unique fleshy, plump leaves. The best part is they are relatively simple to care for if you can provide ample light.
A few easy-care...
Learn tips for a healthy pregnancy, toddler nutrition
URBANA, Ill. — The 1,000 days between a person's pregnancy and their child's second birthday offer a unique opportunity to build a healthier and more prosperous future, so knowing how to care for mother and baby during this period is vital.
The University of Illinois Extension...
