Don't Trash Your Pumpkin, Smash It!

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Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact.

University of Illinois Extension will be a leading force in fostering a legacy of sustainable development, lifelong learning, and community resilience regarding environment, food and agriculture, health, community, and economy via technology and discovery, partnerships, and workforce excellence.

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Illinois Ag Mental Health Voucher Program

Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program is available to agricultural producers and their families.

Online Training Now Available

Illinois Food Handler training for non restaurant groups is self-paced and available online.

Cradle to Table

Babies don't come with a manual. How do you know what and when to feed your baby?

Free Pressure Canner Testing

To ensure safety in the home canning process, especially for those just getting started canning or who are using an older canner, pressure canner lid gauges should be tested annually.

Events

Fall Community Tree Planting Workshop | Macomb

November 1, 2025

4-H Building Bricks Challenge Series: November Challenge

November 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025

4-H Club Officer Training

November 3, 2025

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body: The Key to Total Wellness

November 5, 2025

More Events

Local News

Wild ginger plant grows beneath a red oak tree.

October 29, 2025

Extension advances community-led Mattoon water quality solutions with Lumpkin Foundation Grant
MATTOON, Ill. — The Lumpkin Family Foundation has awarded University of Illinois Extension a $40,000 grant to improve water quality and protect local drinking water sources in Coles County. The funding will support a Watershed Stewards community...

October 27, 2025

Lifelong leader becomes Illinois Extension’s new 4-H assistant dean and director
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin...

A field overtaken by the invasive plant Sericea lespedeza

October 24, 2025

Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...

Team members pose with banners and ribbons.

October 23, 2025

Champaign County 4-H wins national livestock judging contest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Champaign County 4-H Livestock Judging Team claimed first place at the American Royal Livestock Judging Contest held Sunday in Kansas City, Mo., earning an invitation to represent the United States at the International Livestock Judging Contest in Scotland in the summer of...

October 22, 2025

Learn latest agricultural research from Illinois Extension experts at Greater Peoria Farm Show
PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with agriculture specialists from University of Illinois Extension and learn about the latest research impacting farms today while attending the Greater Peoria Farm Show,...

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Programs We Offer

Commercial Agriculture