Building a strong and connected community

From frosting to future skills: Illinois 4-H youth showcase creativity and confidence in state cake decorating competition
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth put their creativity, planning, and presentation skills to the test during the 2026 State Cake Decorating Competition on May 7 at Bevier Hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.The high-energy, live competition brought together youth...

Hunters Feeding Illinois provides 138,900 servings of lean protein to families across 48 counties
URBANA, Ill. — At a time when grocery costs are high, Hunters Feeding Illinois distributed 366 pounds of lean protein to food pantries across Illinois during the 2026-26 hunting season. This provided an estimated 128...

Delve into water quality research at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
PANA, Ill. — To help area agricultural producers learn about the latest research on water quality, conservation practices, and related topics, the Dudley Smith Initiative is hosting a research plot tour this June with...

New name, same high-impact learning: Illinois 4-H Dish Dash challenges youth to think on their feet in the kitchen
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois youth put their culinary creativity and teamwork to the test during the newly renamed Illinois 4-H Dish Dash, held May 7 at Bevier Hall on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The event had had 20 teams compete across two different sessions, with a total of...

Explore key benefits, challenges of using agricultural drones at Illinois Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — Technology continues to advance and modernize today’s farming practices. Drone use in farming has gained steady traction and interest, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.Attendees can learn more at a field-...