News Releases

Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...

Turn climate concern into community action with Illinois Climate Stewards Training
URBANA, Ill. — From a spring full of tornadoes to summers with extreme heat and flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. Be part of the solution by turning...

4-H'ers and families show culinary creativity through Summer Healthy Living Challenge
URBANA, Ill.—4-H youth and their families were challenged to beat the heat this summer by creating their own healthy snacks. They could adapt an existing recipe or invent something completely new, using their creativity to prepare a cool and healthy summer treat that requires little or no baking...

Illinois 4-H Ready4Work program prepares next generation for workforce
URBANA, Ill. — Workforce readiness remains a growing concern nationwide. Many young people lack access to opportunities that help them build essential job skills, according to the...

Illinois Extension welcomes U. of I. alumna to lead budget and finance operations
URBANA, Ill. — Beginning July 27, Sarah Doherty will oversee University of Illinois Extension’s statewide business and financial operations. Her new role focuses on responsible...

Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....

Field day offers in-depth look at commercial pumpkin production
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkins are big business in Illinois. In 2024, the state harvested more than twice the pumpkin acreage of the next five states combined, topping 485 million pounds. As Illinois...

Local growers learn from researchers during Ewing agronomy field day
EWING, Ill. – Illinois Extension invited the public to their annual Agronomy Field Day at the Ewing Demonstration Center on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9 a.m., with a free lunch to follow. The event featured various educators and campus faculty as they provided best management practices for...

Get ready for the autumn season by enjoying the Summer Twilight Series at Friendly Farms!
EDDYVILLE, Ill. – This summer has brought together people from all walks of life to explore and deepen their appreciation for the diverse agricultural landscape of southern Illinois through the Summer Twilight Series. Illinois Extension looks forward to the final installment of the series with a...

Illinois Extension’s sixth cohort of Illini Science Policy Program Scholars works at the intersection of public service and policy
URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program, ISPP, welcomed six graduates from...

Envisioning the next 150 years of crop research with the Alma Mater Plots
URBANA, Ill. — A couple of miles south of the main quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a remarkable agricultural experiment is taking shape. The so-called Alma Mater Plots are unique in their setup — with 64 one-acre plots, each...

Everyday Environment series returns with nature-based solutions for home and community
URBANA, Ill. — Discover the power of working with nature. University of Illinois Extension’s natural resources series,...

What would it cost farmers if Illinois banned glyphosate?
URBANA, Ill. — A new analysis from the...

Williamson County 4-H youth place in 2026 general show
MARION, Ill. – Creativity and skills were recently on display as Williamson County members shared their annual projects at the 4-H general show. Youth were judged in visual arts, photography, food and nutrition, floriculture, and more.4-H members who receive...

Franklin County 4-H youth place in 2026 general projects show
BENTON, Ill. – Creativity and skills were on full display as Franklin County 4-H members shared their annual projects at the 4-H General Projects Show. Members were judged in areas such as visual arts, photography, food and nutrition, floriculture, and much more. Those who...

Agronomy Days continues with Stairway to Yield, other events for producers
URBANA, Ill. — Agronomy Days 2026 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign continues with events scheduled into October, teaching Illinois growers the latest breakthroughs in...

Franklin County 4-H youth place in 2026 livestock and animal shows
BENTON, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather at the Franklin County Fairgrounds to exhibit beef, swine, sheep, and goats, and more during the annual 4-H fair. All livestock events allowed youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the...

Illini Summer Academies gives high schoolers hands-on college and career exploration
Youth from across the state explored future careers, built independence, and developed leadership skills during Illinois 4-H’s Illini Summer Academies. Over 180 youth from 34 counties spent five days on campus in June exploring potential college...

Field Day offers an in-depth look at research at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
SIMPSON, Ill. – Dixon Springs Agricultural Center is a University of Illinois research center dedicated to agricultural innovation, hands-on education, and rural development in the heart of southern Illinois. Since 1934, DSAC has supported farmers, landowners, and communities with practical,...

Help shape solutions to food waste by taking the Illinois Household Food Waste Survey
URBANA, Ill. — From farm to table to trash can, what happens to food is bigger than leftovers. Producing food uses valuable resources like water and fuel, and when uneaten food ends up in landfills, it...