Bridge the digital divide: Strategies to adopt, deploy broadband in your community
URBANA, Ill. – Broadband technology enables residents to conduct business, work from home, attend school, drive innovation, and access remote healthcare services, but some rural and underserved urban Illinois communities with insufficient infrastructure or limited provider choices still find it...

Perry County youth place in 4-H general show and foods show
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. – Creativity and skills were on full display at the Perry County Fair as 4-H members shared their annual projects at the general show. The following week, those that have a love for baking shared tasty and beautifully decorated items at the foods show that was...

Applying herbicides in natural settings lowers costs, increases efficiency
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Aphid pests on the move in backyard gardens, agricultural fields
URBANA, Ill. – Ever spy small, yellow dots on the back of plant leaves during the summer months? Those tiny pear-shaped specks are aphids. Aphids are a common insect pest in the home landscape and for houseplants. There are many species of aphids in Illinois and they feed on a large...

Jackson County youth place in 4-H general show
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Creativity and skills were on full display this weekend as Jackson County members shared their annual projects at the 4-H general show. Following the 2020 summer of virtual exhibits, participants were anxious for the return of in-person shows. Members were...

Jackson County youth place in 4-H livestock and animal shows
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as our 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Perry County Fair. Following the 2020 summer of virtual livestock exhibits, participants were anxious for the return of in-person shows. The events...

Williamson County youth place in 4-H general show
MARION, Ill. – Creativity and skills were on full display this weekend as Williamson County members shared their annual projects at the general show. Following the 2020 summer of virtual exhibits, participants were anxious for the return of in-person shows. Members were judged in...

Youth public speaking contest builds self-esteem, leadership skills that last a lifetime
URBANA, Ill. –  More than 75% of adults rank public speaking as their number one fear, but not 4-H members. 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Over 100 youth recently came together to put their public speaking...

Randolph County youth place in 4-H livestock and animal shows
SPARTA, Ill. – Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as our 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Perry County Fair. Following the 2020 summer of virtual livestock exhibits, participants were anxious for the return of in-person shows. The events provided an...

Perry County youth place in 4-H livestock and animal shows
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. – Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as our 4-H members showcased their animals at this year's Perry County Fair. Following the 2020 summer of virtual livestock exhibits, participants were anxious for the return of in-person shows. The events...

Six Illini Science Policy Scholars announced, will tackle critical issues in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – Six graduates from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are preparing to embark on a year of public service as part of the new class of Illini Science Policy Scholars. The...

Illinois teens become advocates for food access, security
What does it mean to be hungry? Illinois 4-H teens are challenging experts in the fields of food access, food security, and food justice to learn how to advocate for others in their communities. In May, 105 youth at the...

Latino youth develop life, literacy skills to prepare for higher education
Urbana, Ill -- The Juntos™ Program through Illinois 4-H empowers Latino youth to support each other throughout high school and as they prepare to enter higher education. ...

Research study focuses on predatory insects used as biological control in high tunnels
SIMPSON, Ill. – Releasing insects into high tunnels filled with fresh produce may seem counterproductive, but that’s exactly what is being done through a research study with Extension Specialist and University of Illinois Specialty Crops Entomologist...

Pesticide rollback removes hundreds of pesticides from future use
URBANA, Ill. — The Environmental Protection Agency’s most recent evaluation of publically available pesticides resulted in the removal of more than 100 turf, pest, and agricultural products from the approved list. Every 15 years, the EPA examines registered pesticides to ensure they...

Large yard not required to support pollinators
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Keep pesticides from drifting into unwanted spaces
URBANA, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture receives about 120 pesticide complaints each year; 60% of the complaints stem from a pesticide that moves from its intended target to surrounding land or water.  Off-target pesticide movement occurs when a pesticide...

Rye cover crops attract good insects with minimal impact from pests
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Add spice to your life with growing and cooking with herbs program
Murphysboro, Ill. — Things feeling a little bland? Want to spice up your life a bit? Join us for a free program on July 30 as two Extension Educators share their expertise on growing and cooking with herbs. Local Foods and Small Farms Educator...

Tackle invasive species management with Jackson County forestry program
Whether they are on public or private land, invasive species are a big issue for natural resource management. They are free from all native pests or pathogens...