Talking Crop Podcast
The Talking Crop podcast is back for its third season. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Kathryn Seebruck, Talking Crop is a row crop production podcast, with episodes occurring every other week during the...
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
From judging to food systems: 4-H youth build real-world skills at poultry contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their poultry evaluation skills during the 2026 Illinois 4-H Poultry Judging Contest held April 28 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.The annual contest provides youth with hands-on experience...
Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference builds confidence, leadership skills in young teens
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Nearly 90 seventh and eighth-grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2026 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) held March 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. This event is planned and hosted by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team....
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase equine expertise in statewide contests
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth from across the state demonstrated their knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the equine industry during the 2026 State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Speaking contests, held April 13 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. These...
Illinois 4-H members bring youth voice to federal leaders in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Illinois 4-H youth joined delegates from across the country for the 2026 National 4-H Conference, held April 10-15, where they engaged in roundtable discussions and presented directly to federal partner agencies. Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’...
4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...
Illinois Extension specialty crop expert’s legacy built on grower trust
URBANA, Ill. — When something feels off with a specialty crop like peaches, apples, or horseradish, one phone number growers may have on speed dial is Elizabeth Wahle. Since 2002, Wahle has been with University of Illinois Extension, assisting...
4-H Green Communities Program marks fifth year with 1,150 new oak trees planted across Illinois
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts. In...
Illinois 4-H teens build career-ready skills at Ignite by 4-H Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.Hosted by National 4-H...
Getting the Scoop on Dietary Guidelines For Americans
Decades of research have clearly demonstrated the connection between diet and health. Today, diet-related chronic diseases, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and certain cancers, remain leading causes of death, disability, and healthcare costs in the United States....
Trees in Your Landscape: Functions and Benefits
Join Jay Solomon, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator for the program “Trees in Your Landscape: Functions and Benefits” as part of the Spring Break Gardening Series. This program is being held on May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the Jo Daviess County...
Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...
Spread the Sweetness: From Fruit to Finish
FREEPORT, Ill.-- Strawberry season is right around the corner, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh-picked strawberries. These naturally sweet berries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them as nutritious as they are delicious. If you find...
