News Releases

Illinois Extension offers support for farmers experiencing economic stress
URBANA, Ill. — As farmers across the state face mounting economic pressures, University of Illinois Extension reminds agricultural producers, advisers, and families that free help is available wherever you are.Assistance resources range...

Illinois Extension Crop Management Conference equips agriculturalists for upcoming growing season
URBANA, Ill. — How individuals strategize their next farming season can differ from one farmer, landowner, producer, or industry professional to the next. University of Illinois Extension’s online-only Crop...

Genes from corn's wild ancestor change soil microbial community, improve sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — Corn bred with genes from wild relatives can reshape soil microbial communities and reduce nitrogen loss — with no yield reduction — according to new research from the University...

New Focus on the Future meetings to help Illinois agriculture community build, sustain farm legacy
URBANA, Ill. — Every farm has an individual story to tell, and it is up to the generations of farmers living it to tell the tale. In 2026, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are...

Illinois Extension is growing cover crop conversations by connecting farmers to farmers
URBANA, Ill. — What better way to learn about cover crops than from someone already growing them? University of Illinois Extension is offering farmers, producers, landowners, and industry professionals a chance to log on for a free virtual panel on...

Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
URBANA, Ill. — Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can now differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions of riverine nitrogen pollution in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The advancement, published in...

Illinois Extension Academy cohort poised to cultivate collaboration and impact
URBANA, Ill. — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen any project, especially when they help deliver the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s latest research and best practices to communities across Illinois and beyond.With the start of the...

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

Terrestrial biodiversity grows with tree cover in agricultural landscapes
Farmers plant or preserve riparian buffers for various reasons, such as improving water quality, controlling erosion, or maintaining hunting habitat. Now, a new study from the ...

Illinois Extension offers legal series to empower farmers to strengthen, safeguard operations
URBANA, Ill. — In times of uncertainty, protecting your livelihood and assets is essential. Each farm and farm family has a unique experience and specific needs, but the success of Illinois farmers is vital for everyone in our state.“With the converging crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,...

Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...

Nine new invasive species regulated in Illinois with expansion of Exotic Weeds Act
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The forests and prairies of Illinois have a new line of defense against harmful non-native plants. On Oct. 1, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources added nine more invasive plants to the list of species that are illegal to buy,...

Learn latest agricultural research from Illinois Extension experts at Greater Peoria Farm Show
PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with agriculture specialists from University of Illinois Extension and learn about the latest research impacting farms today while attending the Greater Peoria Farm Show,...

Beam signing cements progress on a mission-centered gathering place for University of Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is poised to have its first central facility in its 100+ year history by Spring of 2027. The high-impact, geographically dispersed organization serves the state as the outward-facing public good unit...

Bayer gift launches Morrow Plots revitalization for 150th anniversary
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced a gift from Bayer’s Crop Science...

lllinois experts offer panels, interactive exhibits, meet-and-greets at Farm Progress Show
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will showcase groundbreaking research, hands-on demonstrations, and expert-led discussions at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur. Visitors to the...

University of Illinois Extension announces NC State agricultural leader as its new director
URBANA, Ill. — Matthew Vann has been named the new associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension, the flagship public engagement organization housed in...

Gulf of Mexico ‘dead zone’ below average, scientists find
NOAA-supported scientists announced today that this year’s Gulf of Mexico “dead zone” — an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and marine life — is approximately 4,402 square miles, 21% smaller than estimates from early June...

Crop dusting: Exploring aerial application safety by plane or drone
URBANA, Ill. — One of the trademarks of summer is the sight of planes and helicopters making gravity-defying turns as they make passes up and down cornfields. While this evokes awe and amazement, it also elicits curiosity as to what they are doing and why. Additionally, when serious or fatal...