News Releases

Learn from home with Good Growing Winter Webinars
URBANA, Ill. – From selecting and caring for a Christmas tree to creating a winter haven for birds, the University of Illinois Extension Good Growing Winter Webinar series has seasonally appropriate tips and tricks to keep you informed from the comfort of home this winter. Extension...
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) with yellowing and browning needles attributed to white pine decline. Photo Credit: Travis Cleveland.
When to worry about needle drop on white pine trees
URBANA, Ill. – Like their deciduous maple, oak, and dogwood neighbors, evergreen trees drop some of their foliage in the fall. But needle drop in white pine trees can also be a sign of something more serious. The University...
4-H club helps youth experiencing anxiety, stress, depression
URBANA, Ill. – Teens are experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression throughout the pandemic, according to a Harris Poll conducted by 4-H, the national youth development organization. University of Illinois Extension is offering support for struggling youth, providing a safe place to talk about...
Wellness, nutrition education training for early childcare providers
URBANA, Ill. – Positive habits for children start with healthy, happy, and empowered childcare providers. Early childcare professionals and education centers interested in learning how to maintain and reinforce healthy choices within a childcare work environment will learn strategies to build...
Gates open for Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. – University of Illinois researchers will provide updates on the latest findings at the Orr Beef Research Center Field Day on Nov. 5. Activities begin at 5 p.m. at the research...
Use fall leaves in home compost
URBANA, Ill. – As fall approaches, homeowners begin to think of what to do with the falling leaves. Composting is an option which helps the environment, says Duane Friend,...
Keep deer away from your plants this fall
Deer can wreak havoc on plants during fall and winter months. University of Illinois Extension offers advice to help homeowners reduce damage from deer. Exclusion "Fences offer the best way to control deer damage in certain situations; however, large-...
tractor in field at night
Make hitting the hay a priority during harvest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - For many farmers, fall requires long days in the field and little rest. The pressure to harvest as much as possible combined with fatigue and looming deadlines can result increase the risk of potential hazards. Safety and health of workers, including making time for...
A Miniature Farm with Big Goals
It may have started with wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, but in less than two years, Big Miniature Farms in rural Mt. Carroll, Ill., has grown from a small home garden into a USDA Specialty Grower and Farm. Big Miniature Farms made their debut at the Mt. Carroll Farmers Market in 2019...
In a summer of change, 4-H members focus on what matters most
URBANA, Ill. – In May, Jenna Wheeler and her family had a big decision to make. With a barn full of show pigs and goats bound for the summer showring, and a cascade of cancellations due to coronavirus pandemic, what should the family do? Raising livestock is expensive, but some of those...
National 4-H Week perfect time to register as alum
URBANA, Ill. – Each year, 4-H members across the nation celebrate National 4-H Week, joining 6 million other 4-H members of the country’s premiere youth development program. This year, the celebration runs Oct. 4 to 10. University of Illinois...
Take steps to prevent farm grain bin accidents
DECATUR, Ill. – Grain bin accidents happen quickly. In a matter of seconds, anyone can be suffocated by moving grain. Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations, according to the...
Practical tips to manage your diabetes
URBANA, Ill.  –  For the millions of Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes, adopting a healthy lifestyle is critical in managing the disease for improved quality of life. ...
Prevent combine fires this harvest
URBANA, Ill. – Combine fires are one of the most common and expensive types of fire incidents in production agriculture. They can also cause substantial setback during harvest. "Combine fires often start behind the operator...