News Releases

A freshly mulched donation garden.
Southern Illinois donation garden feeds the community
MARION, Ill. – Food insecurity affects every community within our state, but it's not just about hunger. It's about having access to food options that meet nutritional needs, which is particularly important for individuals and families with limited resources. Through collaborative...
Team members pose with ribbons.
4-H youth showcase agricultural excellence at national competition
Louisville, Ky. — 4-H youth headed to the North American International Livestock Exposition to compete in educational contests held as a part of the exposition held Nov. 2-16 in Louisville. The expo drew more than 27,000 livestock entries from...
Jackson County 4-H members at the SIU Bowling alley.
Jackson County 4-H youth honored during achievement night
Jackson County 4-H youth honored at achievement night Carbondale, Ill. – Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all their accomplishments. This year’s event highlighted some of the youth in our community for the work they...
Franklin County 4-H members attend the achievement program.
Franklin County 4-H youth honored during achievement program
Benton, Ill. – The 4-H Achievement Program is a time to recognize club members and volunteers for all their accomplishments. This year’s event was full of many awards and honored members for their hard work this past year. The evening kicked off by recognizing members who created a...
Illinois 4-H team poses with ribbons and medals.
Illinois 4-H teams make history in Louisville
Louisville, Ky. -- Illinois 4-H had a record-breaking day at the North American International Livestock Exposition. For the first time ever, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H Quiz Bowl. For the second year in a row, Illinois 4-H won the National 4-H...
Youth work with a computer and STEM equipment.
4-H members ignite their future leadership path
Decatur, Ill.-- Over 100 seventh and eighth grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2023 space-themed 4-H Junior Leadership Conference held Nov. 4-5 at the Decatur Hotel and Conference Center in Decatur. “This event helps youth from all over Illinois gain a new...
An orange cat walks near potted house plants at ground level
Protect your pets: Keep paws off overwintering indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — As winter settles in, many plants and houseplants that were growing outdoors have returned inside. Before bringing in your plants, consider animal companions, such as dogs and cats, because some plants can make them sick if ingested. Knowing what plants you have and how they...
Senior winners pose with banners.
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
Youth lay on the ground and aim rifles
Young marksmen aim for excellence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The best teenage 4-H rifle shooters from Illinois gathered to compete in small bore rifle and air rifle competition at the 2023 4-H State Rifle Shoot held at Central Illinois Precision Shooters on Oct. 8. The rifle shooting sports discipline involves both precision...
Miscellaneous herbs growing in a wooden container.
Keep growing with herbs indoors this fall, winter
URBANA, Ill. — Just because days are shorter and colder and the outdoor gardening days are over, that doesn't mean growing must come to an end. Indoor green houseplants are an option, so add some herbs to the mix this fall and winter. Whether growing indoors or outdoors, plants still...
4-H youth from Perry County gather at achievement night.
Perry County 4-H youth honored at achievement night
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. – Through 4-H, youth learn leadership skills and can explore their interests through projects during the 4-H year. Achievement night is an opportunity to recognize 4-H club members and volunteers for all of their accomplishments. The evening kicked off by recognizing...
Up close on brown tree bark with text overlay reading Community Tree Care.
Sharpening knowledge of tree care leads to healthier, better-looking trees
URBANA, Ill. — Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our communities, providing many long-term benefits to the public. Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier life. “Trees improve the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life,”...
Person bent down on one knee checking soil in a no-till farm field.
Agriculture field day set to explore, address carbon market questions
URBANA, Ill. — The carbon market is an emerging entity and buzzword in the agriculture industry. Every day, different programs are being presented to farmers, landowners, and researchers, creating a lot of questions around carbon and farm operations. “It is a vital time to bring...
A gloved hand holds open a bat wing up to the light
ACES expert: Bats take spotlight during Bat Week
URBANA, Ill. — Bats come out of the shadows during Bat Week, Oct. 24-31, an international awareness campaign that aims to educate the public about bat conservation in the week leading up to Halloween. University of...