Maple syrup season is a short, sweet window of opportunity for tapping into trees
SIMPSON, Ill. — Maple syrup is a one-ingredient food. Only one thing goes into making it: the sap of maple trees collected in early spring. Every year in late January, the University of Illinois Extension...

New agroforestry maps plot environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a longstanding attitude in many farming communities that trees and agriculture don’t mix. But agroforestry — the intentional integration of trees and shrubs in agricultural systems, such as planting trees as windbreaks, integrating trees on pastures, or growing tree crops...

Farmers share how to keep valuable soil in fields
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This March, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil...

Forest landowner motivation to control invasive species depends on land use, study shows
URBANA, Ill. — Many U.S. forests are privately owned, particularly in the Eastern and North Central part of the country. This makes control of invasive plants and pests challenging because efforts must be coordinated across landowners. A...

2025 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale prioritizes trusted genetics for herd growth
URBANA, Ill. — Herd knowledge, experience, and the addition of trusted genetics can take a beef cattle herd into new beginnings. Start off the year by attending the annual Illinois Performance...

What to know about avian flu in wild birds, poultry, and pets in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock, pets, wildlife, food safety, and public health.HPAI is an extremely contagious and frequently deadly respiratory disease for...

Fruit and Vegetable School connects local growers with industry experts
MT. VERNON, Ill. – Commercial fruit and vegetable growers face a lot of uncertainties. One thing is certain: University of Illinois Extension has the practical, current research to help you make those important production decisions. Get practical research-based information to make your specialty...

Registration open for 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training in-person sessions
URBANA, Ill. — The importance of livestock's health, overall well-being, and safety is the responsibility of producers and all who care for the animals daily. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals...

Why does the state need Illinois Extension?
The University of Illinois Extension just released a 10-year strategic plan that commits to serving the...

Will agricultural weeds finally claim the upper hand in a changing climate?
URBANA, Ill. — A few years back, a group of weed scientists showed that soil-applied herbicides are less effective against agricultural weeds in the context of our changing climate. Now, the same research...

Tara Heath promoted to Extension crops educator
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The agriculture industry continues to change rapidly, impacting everyone from the producers to the industry professionals to the food consumers. University of Illinois Extension is growing its team of commercial agriculture educators to provide research-based, unbiased...

Scientists tackle farm nutrient pollution with sustainable, affordable designer biochar pellets
URBANA, Ill. — What if farmers could not only prevent excess phosphorus from polluting downstream waterways, but also recycle that nutrient as a slow-release fertilizer, all without spending a lot of money? In a first-of-its-kind...

Study combines woodchips and biochar to clean water of pharmaceuticals, nutrients
URBANA, Ill. — What happens to ibuprofen after it eases your throbbing headache? Like many pharmaceuticals, it can remain in an active form when our bodies flush it out. That’s a problem, because although wastewater treatment plants are good at reducing nutrient pollutants in water,...

Harvest is stressful, the community says thanks
MORRIS, Ill. – As farmers throughout Grundy, Kankakee, and Kendall Counties work diligently to bring in another harvest, University of Illinois Extension and the Kendall-Grundy and...

Climate-smart grazing: U. of I. study shows how weather mitigates nitrogen runoff
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock production is an important component of U.S. agriculture, with global demand for meat and dairy expected to double in the coming decades. This increase will lead to intensified grazing on U.S. grasslands, potentially exacerbating water quality degradation from livestock...

Farm for the future, explore Midwestern weather resources at workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Weather trends keep changing. Farmers, make sure you have the tools you need to adapt and make decisions for your operation throughout the 2025 growing season and beyond. This December, connect with agricultural climate experts, explore resources, and discuss...

The legacy of corn nitrogen fertilizer: Study shows lengthy impact in tile drained systems
URBANA, Ill. — Midwestern soils are among the most productive in the world, thanks in part to extensive tile drainage systems that remove excess water from crop fields. But water isn’t the only thing flowing through tile drains. Nitrogen moves along with soil water into drainage ditches, streams...

Learning and impact guide vision for University of Illinois Extension's new strategic plan
URBANA, Ill. — A committed mission, a bold vision, eight strategic priorities and signature initiatives, and an evergreen commitment to locally responsive programming are the hallmarks of University of Illinois Urbana-...

Illinois Extension’s new strategic priorities and initiatives revealed in town hall event
URBANA, Ill. — A bold vision, eight strategic priorities and signature initiatives, and a continued commitment to locally responsive programming are the hallmarks of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension’s new, 10-year...

Farmers share how to keep your soil on your fields
EFFINGHAM, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This August, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil...