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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.

2025 4-H Showbook Online

The 2025 4-H showbook is a great resource for families to use throughout the show season.

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

4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Certification Training Southern Illinois

July 19, 2025

4-H Memorial Camp 75th Anniversary Celebration

July 19, 2025

Cover Crop Conversations: Farmer-to-Farmer Insights Across Illinois

July 22, 2025

Nature Journaling with Merry Lanker

July 22, 2025

County

Macon

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Local News

A brown panting dog on a couch faces a fan

July 19, 2025

Keep animals safe and healthy during excessive heat
URBANA, Ill. — Excessive heat will once again blast much of the United States next week, with heat indices predicted to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more in many locations. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign animal welfare expert...

Two crops researchers pose smiling at the camera while standing in a corn field

July 18, 2025

Biologicals vs. biostimulants: Illinois study clarifies crop input confusion
URBANA, Ill. — Every time Fred Below and Connor Sible meet with Illinois farmers, they get the same question. “What’s the story with these biologicals? Do they work?” The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign crop scientists and...

A caregiver gently touching an elderly person's hands

July 17, 2025

Discover tools to help caregivers manage aging-related demands
URBANA, Ill. — Caregivers in long-term care settings face growing challenges as they support aging populations with complex physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. From managing dementia-related behaviors to addressing social isolation and limited resources, the challenges can be...

July 17, 2025

Illinois plant ecologists fight to restore Midwest biodiversity
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine a prairie. How many plant species do you see? Maybe you’re picturing yellow coneflowers, some little bluestem, perhaps a few asters. But plant ecologists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign say these ecosystems are much more...

A tree grows next to a street with exposed and damaged girdling roots

July 14, 2025

Don’t be stumped by tree problems
URBANA, Ill. — In urban settings like parks and yards, numerous challenges threaten tree health and longevity. Environmental or abiotic stressors are often the culprit, and as a tree’s health declines, it will become more susceptible to living or biotic organisms like pests or disease....

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Commercial Agriculture