Share rural roads safely during spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. – After a cold, wet spring Illinois farmers are racing to get their crops in the field. As large farm equipment moves along country roads, both farmers and those driving a vehicle should adopt a "safety first" attitude.
The 2022 spring planting season is...
Farmers battle clock, weeds in spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. – With a warm, dry stretch of weather, Illinois farmers are racing to get corn and soybean crops planted. University of Illinois Extension Weed Scientist Aaron Hager spoke with Media Communications Specialist...
Test field scouting skills with high school Crop Scouting Competition
URBANA, Ill. – A farmer knowing how corn or soybean crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The youth Illinois Crop Scouting Competition puts teams of agriculture students to the test. This hands-on contest in...
Crop scientists explore using predator insects to eat pests in high tunnels
URBANA, Ill. – Crouched between rows of tomatoes and peppers tucked inside a high tunnel, researchers pluck insects off plants in the name of science. Because to catch a pest, you may have to release a predator.
The flourishing local foods movement is driving more Illinois farmers to...
Plant cover crops at home for healthier soils
URBANA, Ill. – Healthy soil is essential for healthy plants. Using cover crops in the home garden is one way to promote soil health.
Cover crops are non-harvested crops that add organic matter to the soil, transfer nitrogen to plants, and break up heavy clay or compacted soil. They...
Shared space: $10 million grant examines how crops, solar can occupy same space
URBANA, Ill. — Some view crops and solar panels as competitors for prime real estate. A 4-year, $10 million dollar grant awarded to University of Illinois' Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment will design "agrivoltaic...
During harvest: Know and teach electrical safety on the farm
From dump truck driver to teenager, everyone should be aware of potential electrical hazards
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Harvest means long hours, increased stress, and tight schedules. Because of that, ...
Armyworms march into Illinois' fields, lawns, gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Fall armyworm caterpillars are enjoying a bountiful meal at the expense of farmers and homeowners. Prevalent in the southern states, the adult moths move north to Illinois to mate and lay eggs.
This year’s appearance is earlier and in higher...
Stay up to date on latest ag practices with online, on-demand CropFlix
URBANA, Ill. – Farming in Illinois is very different than it was even 50 years ago and so is how row crop producers stay up to date on the latest recommendations.
For more than 100 years, local University of Illinois Extension agriculture experts have worked in person and in the field...
Aphid pests on the move in backyard gardens, agricultural fields
URBANA, Ill. – Ever spy small, yellow dots on the back of plant leaves during the summer months? Those tiny pear-shaped specks are aphids.
Aphids are a common insect pest in the home landscape and for houseplants. There are many species of aphids in Illinois and they feed on a large...
Pesticide rollback removes hundreds of pesticides from future use
URBANA, Ill. — The Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent evaluation of publically available pesticides resulted in the removal of more than 100 turf, pest, and agricultural products from the approved list.
Every 15 years, the EPA examines registered pesticides to ensure they...
Keep pesticides from drifting into unwanted spaces
URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture receives about 120 pesticide complaints each year; 60% of the complaints stem from a pesticide that moves from its intended target to surrounding land or water.
Off-target pesticide movement occurs when a pesticide...
