Prevent the spread of invasive species in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – You may not know what an invasive species is, but you've likely heard about them and the price tags they can carry. The estimated cost of managing the damages caused by invasive species such as the emerald ash borer or Asian carp is $120 billion annually in the U.S.
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Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats
URBANA, Ill. – Imagine if you had to catch every bite of your dinner with your mouth, while flying, in the dark. You’d be exhausted, and probably pretty hungry. Though some bats go for sedentary insects, most catch their food on the wing every single night. Let that sink in.
Because they...
Master Naturalists advocate for diversity in ecosystems and volunteer program
URBANA, Ill. – Diverse ecosystems are healthy ecosystems. Wildlife, plants, and fungi are naturally interconnected and rely on each other. The same is true of those who advocate for the environment – diversity makes them stronger.The University of Illinois Extension...
Test field scouting skills with high school Crop Scouting Competition
URBANA, Ill. – A farmer knowing how corn or soybean crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The youth Illinois Crop Scouting Competition puts teams of agriculture students to the test. This hands-on contest in...
Plant Sale and Local Vendor Event at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Simpson, Ill. - Longer days and warmer temperatures mean that it is almost time to start planting your backyard garden and flower beds. University of Illinois Extension invites the public to a plant sale at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center on April 30, May 6, and May 7 from 9 a.m. to...
Make a big difference on small farms with winter workshops
URBANA, Ill. – Every small farm is different. Direct market farmers sending produce to local restaurants have different needs than homesteaders getting started with livestock for the first time. But small farmers, hobby operations, and backyard growers alike can always trust University of...
Managing harvest-ready cattle during packing plant slow downs
BAYLIS, Ill. - Temporary closures and slow-downs in the meat packing industry have caused many tough decisions for cattle feeders. In the situation where cattle cannot go to market, feeders need to decide what management and nutritional strategies to deploy.
Holding fed cattle at a...
Looking for anaplasmosis in beef cattle
By Todd Gleason
Researchers at the University of Illinois are working with beef cattle producers in the southern third of the state to determine the prevalence of a disease that causes...
