News Releases

turkey on table
Smaller turkeys, lower prices on Thanksgiving menu
URBANA, Ill. – As concerns rise over the possible spread of coronavirus during large family gatherings, the expected smaller holiday party size is affecting the food production industry. Smaller guest invites means consumers are looking for smaller whole turkeys on the holiday menu in...
Illinois Extension staff honored for life-changing programs
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension helps help families, businesses, and community leaders develop the skills people need to address local problems and build better futures. Award-winning staff were honored during the organization’s...
Don't get sick from your holiday turkey
The main centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving celebration may well be the turkey. The honor of carving is often reserved for a special family member. But before carving, the turkey must be cooked, and cooked safely....
Farmdoc Illinois Economic Summit: Farm management guide in difficult times
URBANA, Ill. – The past year has been a year like no other for Illinois agriculture. While the year started optimistically with talks of a surge in agricultural exports resulting from the trade agreement with China, the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the global economy. Most agricultural prices...
Extension program promotes brain health in older adults
URBANA, Ill. – Our brains control important executive functions, such as speaking, thinking, learning, making sound decisions, and remembering. In addition to physical exercise, getting at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep and eating a heart-healthy diet improves ...
Explore, learn and grown with Wee Naturalists virtual program
URBANA, Ill. – Nature is a place for children to explore, learn and grow and the new virtual Wee Naturalists program allows for just that. University of Illinois Extension is once again offering nature-loving children, families and educators the opportunity to explore a different nature...
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-...