News Releases

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...
Is your supervisor certified in food protection?
DECATUR, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health requires all food establishments be supervised by a Certified Food Protection Manager during hours of operation. This March, University of Illinois Extension in Macon County is offering the state-mandated Certified...
Explore financial incentives for environmentally-friendly farm practices
DEKALB, Ill. – The adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, pasture management, and agroforestry can sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gases. Farmers utilizing these practices have multiple, new, opportunities to be financially rewarded for carbon and other...
Engage youth in emergency preparedness
GALESBURG, Ill, – Ready in the Middle is an emergency preparedness initiative focused on pre-teens, teens, and their families. Developed for youth ages 10 -19, RITM gives youth participants and their families an opportunity to identify risks and hazards in and around their home by taking part in...
Explore Jamaica virtually during 4-H International Day 2021
DECATUR, Ill. – How much do you know about Jamaica, the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean? Let University of Illinois Extension 4-H staff take you on a virtual journey through the country to learn about foods, customs, and culture for 4-H International Day 2021. Join...
Virtual 4-H performing arts club taps into children’s creativity
DECATUR, Ill.—  If you have a young dreamer longing for a chance to perform, DeWitt, Macon and Piatt 4-H in collaboration with Millikin University’s Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre is offering The Little Dreamers virtual performing arts 4-H club this February. The Little Dreamers virtual...