How farmers respond to climate-related risk
URBANA, Ill. — As climate change increases the frequency of drought, excessive rainfall, and other extreme weather events, farmers face growing uncertainty about crop production. Understanding how farmers perceive and respond to that uncertainty can help improve agricultural...
Grow healthier ecosystems at home this pollinator month
URBANA, Ill. — Planting native flowers in a backyard, patio container, or community garden can provide critical food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. This June, in recognition of National Pollinator Month, University of Illinois Extension encourages community members to...
Illinois Extension hosts inaugural Dixon Springs Agricultural Center Field Day on July 14
SIMPSON, Ill. – Community and agriculture come together for an evening of learning and connection during the inaugural Dixon Springs Agricultural Center Field Day on July 14. The experience will begin at 5 p.m. and includes a farm-to-table meal featuring food grown and produced at the Ag...
Illinois farm cash rent trends remain steady for most in 2026
PEORIA, Ill. - Illinois farmers and landowners have completed their farm lease negotiations for the 2026 production year. Forecasts indicate farmers will endure a fourth year in a row of operational losses. However, government payments have lessened this impact, and because each farm is...
ACES Agronomy Days series returns to University of Illinois
With summer just around the corner, Agronomy Days will soon return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The season-long series teaches Illinois growers the latest...
Explore key benefits, challenges of using agricultural drones at Illinois Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — Technology continues to advance and modernize today’s farming practices. Drone use in farming has gained steady traction and interest, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.Attendees can learn more at a field-...
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
Illinois farmland values in 2026 give volatile signals
PEORIA, Ill. - Farmland Sales in Illinois are continuing their recent pattern of being unpredictable. Low farmer profits are the main driver of this volatility, but other factors also weigh on the marketplace. Sources for this article include: The Land Sales Bulletin, the 2026...
Local greenhouse featured as first stop in Extension's Summer Twilight Series
RICHVIEW, Ill. – Illinois Extension is kicking off the 2026 Southern Illinois Summer Twilight Series with a trip to Richview. Whether you’re a flower gardener, bride-to-be, or interested in learning more about growing cut flowers, you’ll want to join the upcoming tour of Flower Girls Greenhouse...
Summer Twilight Series strengthens southern Illinois food systems
RICHVIEW, Ill. – Illinois Extension is excited to announce the return of the eleventh-annual Summer Twilight Series. This southern Illinois tradition brings farmers, educators, and community members together to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture. Twilight...
Farm Drainage Series Part 7: Farmers incentivizing landowners to make tile improvements
This article is not to be construed as legal advice. Consult with your legal advisor before entering tile agreements.Farm drainage tile systems in Illinois have aged, leaving many farms poorly drained, resulting in lower crop yields. Upgrading farm drainage systems faces many...
Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...
Extension assists farmers to navigate the challenging farm economy
HAVANA, Ill. - For the past decade, farm profits have been highly volatile making farm business planning difficult. Grain prices have been all over the board — down, up, and back down. Input costs have also been unstable. These and many other factors can create a lot of stress for producers....
Farm Drainage Series part 6: Repairing and maintaining farm tile systems
This article is not to be construed as legal advice. Consult with your legal advisor before entering tile agreements.HAVANA, Ill. - Contractors design modern farm drainage-tile installations to last for many decades. Some older systems are approaching and...
