News Releases

Debbie Fearn joins Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program
For the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program, the last four decades can be measured by the millions of volunteer hours given to help bring horticultural help to communities across the state. This year marks the 46th anniversary of the Illinois Master Gardener program...
Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales. Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...
Extension has been busy offering 21 Farmer testing opportunities!
Extension has been busy offering 21 Farmer testing opportunities! We have been working with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and local Farm Bureaus to provide in-person private and commercial pesticide applicator testing in our 5-county unit.   Testing has been conducted...
Explore financial incentives for environmentally-friendly farm practices
DEKALB, Ill. – The adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, pasture management, and agroforestry can sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gases. Farmers utilizing these practices have multiple, new, opportunities to be financially rewarded for carbon and other...
2021 is the year of the gardener; get ready with Home, Lawn, Garden Day
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Whether it’s inspiration for future backyard projects or meeting a new must-have plant, for 19 years the Home, Lawn, and Garden Day has given Central Illinois gardeners the tools they need to grow.   This annual gardening conference will be 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.,...
Live happy, healthier, wealthier lives; Extension can help
URBANA, Ill. – We're never too young or too old to learn valuable lessons that keep us fit, healthy, happy, and financially sound. In a tradition which has lasted decades and adapted with the changing world environment, Lessons for Living are monthly workshops which provide easy-to-understand...
4-H helps feed hungry families in their communities
URBANA, Ill. – Families across Illinois have more food on their table, and youth are leading the way.  4-H is investing in the next generation of food access leaders with a first round of Food Advocacy Grants aimed at helping youth become food advocates right in their own communities....
Engage youth in emergency preparedness
GALESBURG, Ill, – Ready in the Middle is an emergency preparedness initiative focused on pre-teens, teens, and their families. Developed for youth ages 10 -19, RITM gives youth participants and their families an opportunity to identify risks and hazards in and around their home by taking part in...