Elevate your expectations with raised bed gardening
URBANA, Ill. — Whether for convenience or accessibility, raised beds are a popular option for growing fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. Raised bed structures elevate the soil, and with it comes a variety of advantages for growing plants.
Using raised beds may allow gardening in...
Orr Agricultural Center’s field day continues U of I Agronomy Days events
URBANA, Ill. — As summer 2023 marches on, so do the events of Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a season-long series providing practical, research-based information that can improve yield, input management, and...
Extension empowers youth, new educator serving Northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill — For over 100 years, Illinois 4-H has been empowering youth for the future as the state’s largest out-of-school program. As the flagship youth program of University of Illinois, expert youth development staff are utilized to...
Jackson County 4-H youth place in 2023 horse and small pets shows
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – In early June, 4-H members participated in a 4-H Small Pets Show, where they shared their knowledge of cats, dogs, lizards, and rabbits with local judges. Many local youth also participated in the 4-H horse show that same day. Both events allowed youth to display...
Jackson County 4-H youth place in 2023 general show
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Creativity and skills were recently on display as Jackson 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 that receive state delegation will be...
Answering the call: Everyday Environment team wins national gold award honors
URBANA, Ill. — Responding to the needs of communities across the state is a priority for University of Illinois Extension. In 2020, the natural resources, environment, and energy team members identified the need to provide environmental education...
Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy.
Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different plants...
Perry County 4-H youth place in 2023 livestock and animal shows
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather in the show barn at the Perry County Fairgrounds to exhibit beef, swine, sheep, and goats during the annual 4-H Livestock Show during the Perry County Fair. A few days prior, many 4-H members also participated in a 4-H Small Pets Show,...
Perry County 4-H youth place in general show and food show
Pinckneyville, Ill. – Local 4-H members have been busy and were eager to share their hard work and creativity at the annual general show during the Perry County Fair. The following week, they took to the kitchen baking or cooking tasty and beautifully decorated items to display at the food show...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. – In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Youth test their knowledge of horse health and more in state contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Livestock judging helps youth develop areas of expertise
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed...
Youth gain persuasive speaking skills in equine contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 22...
Illinois AgrAbility ready to serve farmers across the state
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers have always been the backbone of America. The state of Illinois includes 72,650 farms that cumulatively harvest over 27 million acres and are operated by 118,000 producers. The work involved is not only the farmer’s livelihood but rather their way of life.
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New University of Illinois Extension Educator builds connections and community for local youth
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H strives to unlock the potential in every young person, helping them to dream, plan, design, build, and achieve. Around the state, University of Illinois Extension staff encourage and guide the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs through 4-H...
Randolph County 4-H youth place in 2023 livestock and animal shows
SPARTA, Ill. – Local youth have been working hard and were excited to get in the show ring at the Perry County Fairgrounds earlier this week, exhibiting their beef, swine, sheep, and goats during the annual 4-H Livestock Show. A few days prior, many 4-H members also participated in a 4-H Small...
