News Releases

Annie’s Project Empowers Women in Agriculture
ALBION, Ill.— Women may be an underrepresented group in the field of agriculture, but thanks to a local course, area participants can receive support and guidance. Annie's Project is a training program designed to empower women in agriculture through education, networks, and resources. Illinois...
sprayer pexel
Pesticide Applicator/Operator In-Person Testing this Winter
Pesticide Applicator/Operator In-Person testing will again be available locally this winter. Sessions will be held in Edwards, Richland, and Wayne Counties. Testing is free and is provided by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Extension. Individuals must register for testing. To...
group of kids
Barrow Boosters in Second Year of Program
Last year was the beginning of the Barrow Boosters program for Edwards County 4-H members that would like to take a swine project. There were nine members that took advantage of the program.  The youth received their barrows in March of 2022 and had them ready for the Swine Show in July.  The...
graphs showing nutrient load changes in Illinois
Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss
URBANA, Ill. – Midwestern agriculture contributes the vast majority of nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico, causing an oxygen-starved hypoxic zone and challenging coastal economies. State and federal policies have tried for decades to provide solutions and incentives, but the hypoxic zone keeps...
deer donation program logo in prairie grass
Deer Donation program receives $25,000 to help feed Central Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. – More than a thousand Central Illinois families have been fed this winter thanks to a $25,000 grant from The Lumpkin Family Foundation. The foundation provided the grant to the University of Illinois Extension Deer Donation program in November to help reimburse meat processors....
man looking at preserved food and saurerkraut
Boost gut health with a tangy treat: Make sauerkraut at home
URBANA, Ill. – Probiotic-rich foods can enhance digestion and improve overall gut health. All are produced through fermentation, a food preservation method that has been used for thousands of years to naturally reduce the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness. Common foods include ...
Illinois Extension wordmark
Harlan's leadership expands to 48 counties
  URBANA, Ill. – Doug Harlan's leadership has guided University of Illinois Extension staff in central Illinois for more than 20 years. Now, Harlan will oversee Extension programs in the state’s lower 48 central and southern counties, serving as Extension assistant director for the 100+-...
Illinois Extension wordmark
Young farmers seek solutions to entry barriers
URBANA, Ill. – Young and beginning farmers face many challenges, including access to land, financial capital, technical knowledge and support, social networks, adequate labor, marketing experience, health insurance, and childcare. University of Illinois Extension is wading through the...
A large open area being flooded
Slow stormwater, prevent floods with rain friendly landscaping
URBANA, Ill. – Life does not exist without water. Gardens don’t grow without water. But what happens when there is too much of a good thing? Or when that good thing is mismanaged and becomes a misfortune. Or when there are prolonged periods of drought? “The tale of stormwater is more...
tractor and disk
Share rural roads safely during spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. – After a cold, wet spring Illinois farmers are racing to get their crops in the field. As large farm equipment moves along country roads, both farmers and those driving a vehicle should adopt a "safety first" attitude.  The 2022 spring planting season is progressing rapidly...
A large magnolia tree
Magnolia blooms, beetles are nature’s spring flower odd couple
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, magnolia trees across the Midwestern landscape offer some of the most spectacular flowering displays of any woody plant. These beautiful ornamental trees, native to Asia, are some of the first landscape plants in our area to deliver such a showy display; truly one of...
A close up of basil
Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs
URBANA, Ill. – Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage,...
Get growing with indoor kitchen garden
URBANA, Ill. – Growing food is not limited to outdoors in the summer. With some planning, you can grow food indoors throughout the year. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educators Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle says that before starting an indoor kitchen garden, it is essential to...
Take heed of tornado warnings
URBANA, Ill. – As prime tornado season approaches, know what a tornado warning means and what to do. The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning under two conditions, says Duane Friend, University of Illinois...
Stay safe during electrical storms
URBANA, Ill. – Exceeded only by floods, lightning is the second largest killer associated with storms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, over 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes occur each year. Duane Friend,...