Generate income with your woodlands
URBANA, Ill. – Woodlands are a valuable resource that many forest owners use to make income by selling timber. But landowners may have more opportunities to make money from their property than they realize.
Landowners can explore income generating specialty products and recreational...
Youth quick recall tested at state dairy contest
Bloomington, Ill. – 4-H members had their knowledge and quick recall of information tested at the Illinois 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl contest on Feb. 26 at the Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. Fifty 4-H members from 10 counties throughout Illinois came together to participate...
Southern Illinois Summer Twilight Series highlights diverse farming enterprises
SIMPSON, Ill. - Do you grow and sell fresh products locally? Are you considering diversifying your farming operation? Would you like to get to know your local farmer? Join University of Illinois Extension educators as they team up with area farmers to provide four monthly evening meetings to...
Flavor your meals with low-maintenance homegrown herbs
URBANA, Ill. – Culinary herbs are a favorite of many gardeners. They are easy to grow as they require little care, have few insect and disease problems, and generally prefer moderate fertility levels. In addition, they add fragrance and beauty to the garden. Many herbs such as lavender, sage,...
Foundation awards $45,000 in 4-H scholarships at awards celebration ceremony
URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held on April 9 at the I Hotel & Conference Center. The ceremony celebrated career achievements of 4-H members and the ...
4-H youth honored for career achievements at awards ceremony
URBANA, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state were honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program at the 4-H Celebration of Excellence held April 9.
The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in the...
4‑H members learn how to turn projects into professions
Urbana, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members gained skills on turning their projects into professions at a virtual College & Career Readiness Workshop hosted on March 22.
The Illinois 4-H...
Teens ready to take on new statewide leadership role
Urbana, Ill. – Five Illinois teens have a new way to make their voices heard on a statewide platform through the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team.
The team is comprised of 20 4-H members and recent alumni under the age of 21 who coordinate and assist with statewide 4-H activities....
Teens put leadership skills to the test as they meet with state legislators
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois 4-H teens communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on April 6.
Legislative Connection provides Illinois 4-H teens a unique opportunity to promote the Illinois 4-H program to...
Bring new life to indoor houseplants through repotting and propagation
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.— Local plant owners got their indoor houseplants ready for spring during a recent plant repotting workshop. Even though plants can be repotted any time of the year, early spring is optimal because it is the beginning of the plants' natural growing season.
Repotting...
Early blooming spring ephemerals flowers welcome warmer weather
URBANA, Ill. – Spring ephemeral flowers are nature’s gems after winter. These short-lived beauties are wildflowers that grow in woodlands in the early spring before the leaves on deciduous trees are open. They are called spring ephemerals because they have a relatively short blooming time....
Home-to-Market Act expands options for Illinois’ growing cottage food industry
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois’ Cottage Food Law allows food entrepreneurs, local producers, and home cooks to sell non-potentially hazardous homemade foods and drinks to the public. Prior to 2012, those foods had to be prepared in a licensed commercial kitchen, an expensive option for those running a...
Test field scouting skills with high school Crop Scouting Competition
URBANA, Ill. – A farmer knowing how corn or soybean crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The youth Illinois Crop Scouting Competition puts teams of agriculture students to the test. This hands-on contest in...
Avocado meal, a novel fiber source for dogs
URBANA, Ill. – When avocados were first recognized as a nutrient-dense superfood for humans, consumption skyrocketed. Today, consumers buy and eat the fresh fruit (hello, avocado toast),...
Map reveals widespread lead pollution in Chicago backyards, parkways
URBANA, Ill. – In backyards and community gardens across Chicago, growers tend fruit and vegetable crops as diverse as the city they live in. Most have one thing in common – lead lurking in the soil.
Legacy lead, leftover from paint, gasoline, and other sources, lingers in the...
Talking about money doesn't have to be stressful
URBANA, Ill. – Many households experience stress and anxiety about their personal finances. These intense feelings of uneasiness and discontent can lead to misinformation and negative money behaviors.
University of Illinois Extension is providing a series of six free...
Plant Sale and Local Vendor Event at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Simpson, Ill. - Longer days and warmer temperatures mean that it is almost time to start planting your backyard garden and flower beds. University of Illinois Extension invites the public to a plant sale at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center on April 30, May 6, and May 7 from 9 a.m. to...
Crop scientists explore using predator insects to eat pests in high tunnels
URBANA, Ill. – Crouched between rows of tomatoes and peppers tucked inside a high tunnel, researchers pluck insects off plants in the name of science. Because to catch a pest, you may have to release a predator.
The flourishing local foods movement is driving more Illinois farmers to...
