Healthy forests start with single tree, hands-on landowners
URBANA, Ill. – The forests of Illinois are diverse, whether it’s a backyard with a few tall trees kids play under, an acre for firewood that is also home to deer and other wildlife, or a timber stand that will eventually be harvested and sold.
Just in time for spring, the Illinois...
Illinois youth come to the table on food insecurity
URBANA, Ill.— Local solutions to food access, food security, and food justice in Illinois will be developed by youth leaders and industry experts Illinois 4-H Food Action Summit. The virtual conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 15.
University of Illinois researchers,...
Illinois 4-H staff evaluate options for summer 2021 exhibitions
URBNA, Ill. – In 2020, more than 400 Illinois 4-H competitive events, exhibitions, and shows went virtual, providing a positive youth development experience while protecting our members, volunteers, and staff. While the 2021 4-H exhibition season...
Extension offices fill connectivity gaps
URBANA, Ill. –The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated what was already known about digital connectivity: millions of American don’t have access to high-speed internet; many of those are in rural communities.
Children attending daily virtual learning, coupled with adults working from home and...
$10,000 prize awaits top ag innovator
URBANA, Ill – Innovation is the heart of Illinois agriculture. A $10,000 Glen Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism award will be given to one winner who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices.
Glen "GB" Brandt, along with his sister...
Summer 4-H conference lets teens virtually explore potential careers
URBANA, Ill. – For many teens, deciding where they want to attend college and what they may want to study is challenging. Some may even be the first in their family to attend college.
Illinois 4-H makes college and career exploration easier for...
Hemp research a win-win for new Midwestern crop
URBANA, Ill. – Industrial hemp is one of the fasting growing crops across Midwestern fields and researchers are recruiting producers in the race to learn more.
University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educators are working...
Kendall County 4-H honor youth achievements, community support
YORKVILLE, Ill. – Each year, Kendall County 4-H members earn several scholarships and awards for their project work, leadership, and community service through the 4-H program. The 2020 recipients were honored through virtual recognition, in place of the annual in-person 4-H Achievement Night...
Addressing racial injustice and disparities focus of new Illinois 4-H initiative
URBANA, Ill. – As the nation grappled with issues of social justice and racial equity, Illinois 4-H leadership intensified their commitment to understanding the experiences of staff, volunteers, and students in these specific areas. To create an...
Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales.
Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...
Stay safe on the farm this planting season
URBANA, Ill. – Spring is characterized by a fury of activity on farms. In the rush to get crops in the ground, farmers may not have safety and health as a priority.
Learn how to prevent common farm injuries and illness during this critical time at a free online webinar by University of...
Illinois Extension honors 30-year rainfall reporting volunteers
YORKVILLE – As northern Illinois residents know, weather and precipitation can vary greatly from town to town, even mile by mile. For more than 30 years, a devoted handful of volunteers have dedicated their time to tracking rainfall with the goal to share this information with their Kendall...
Turfgrass, ornamentals pesticide applicator certification open online
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois pesticide applicators needing to complete the turfgrass and ornamentals category certifications can now access the online training courses to prepare for the exams. University of Illinois Extension is offering each course for $...
