News Releases

Turmeric spice roots image
Spice-Healthcare: Dietary assessments for culturally diverse older adults
URBANA, Ill. — A cross-campus team of researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, led by Kinesiology and Community Health Assistant Professor Mina Raj, has received two grants to test an online platform designed to help dietitians, clinicians and food service personnel make...
pressure canning supplies along with canned items sitting on a stovetop.
Master the art of water bath and pressure canning
Home food preservation continues to be extremely popular, whether due to increased food costs, the desire to know what is going into your food, or because it benefits the environment by reducing one’s carbon footprint. There are many ways to preserve food at home, including freezing, drying,...
Maria Kalaitzandonakes
Consumers across political spectrum share food pricing frustrations
URBANA, Ill. — In his State of the Union address last week, President Biden touched on a topic close to the hearts of U.S. consumers: food prices. In this election year, we can expect high food costs to come up repeatedly, with candidates from both parties invoking price gouging, shrinkflation,...
plant shrubs  a variety in landscape
Native Shrubs
Join University of Illinois Extension, Jo Daviess County Master Gardener Mike Iacomini on Thursday, April 11 for a presentation on native shrubs. This presentation will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028. There is no fee to attend...
Overhead view of compost filled bin during winter.
Spring into composting by reviving a compost pile after winter
URBANA, Ill. — If you haven’t touched your compost bin or pile all winter, don’t worry, you are not alone. It could be filled with kitchen scraps to the top or left untouched since the fall. Getting a compost pile going again after the long, cold winter can be intimidating, but it is...
Pink Wall of flowers next to a hanging basket of purple petunias.
Explore the 2024 All-America Selection flower and vegetable variety winners
URBANA, Ill. — While the rain, thunderstorms, and snow replenish the soil moisture, winter can still bring the blues. To welcome the spring season, check mailboxes for the new garden catalogs and start spring garden planning. When planning, remember to leave room for the spontaneous buys when...
lady putting food in microwave
Making Homemade Meals in the Microwave
More and more people are dining out less because it is a healthier option and allows you to stretch your food dollars. If you are spending more time in the kitchen and are looking for quick and easy ways to prepare meals but do not have much time to cook, consider microwave cooking. Microwave...
cracking an egg in a frying pan
Eggs: From Farm to Fork | Healthy Cooking at Home
Curious about what it takes for an egg to make it from the farm to your kitchen table? Have you ever wondered about the difference between free-range and free-roaming eggs? If so, then we have the class for you! Years ago, shopping for eggs was much more straightforward. The...
Two people talking, about to shake hands in a wheat field.
Considerations when hiring a farm manager
URBANA, Ill. — Managing a farm is a big job. From determining cash rent to planning the next planting or calving season, a farm manager can be an experienced asset to help when making decisions about a farm. Guessing around decision-making can cost farmers thousands in potential revenues that...
tornado over hay field
Is Your Family Prepared for a Natural Disaster?
Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid airmasses from the Gulf of Mexico have collided with the cooler, dryer air from Canada, resulting in unstable atmospheric conditions. Although thunderstorms and tornadoes can happen anytime...
four photos of food safety in a commercial kitchen
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
Do you currently have a position handling food, or are you looking for a job in the food industry? If so, consider becoming a Certified Food Protection Manager. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to obtain an American National...
flowers being arranged
Spring Flower Arranging
Join University of Illinois Extension for the second program in their Spring Break Gardening Series “Spring Flower Arranging” on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. This program is being held at the Jo Daviess County Extension Office, 204 N. Vine St. Elizabeth, IL 61028.  There will be a...