News Releases

4-H Leaders
Illinois youth program offers a place where kids can belong, lead, learn
URBANA, Ill. — 4-H members in Illinois will join the six million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H offers...
vegetables on a display crate
What is needed to create a long-term sustainable food system for Illinois?
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois food growers, distributors and activists voiced solutions for creating a more resilient and equitable food system in Illinois: support for growers and producers of all experience levels, investment in education and marketing strategies, and advocacy engagement to secure...
Students speak with a recruiter from SIU during career field day
Students learn about agriculture career paths during field day
EWING, Ill. – While the industry may be saturated with job opportunities, many teens and young adults simply don’t know which path to take. Illinois Extension connects students directly with higher education and career opportunities each year through the Agricultural Careers and Technology...
People exercising
Take steps to build a strong foundation for diabetes care
URBANA, Ill. — Over 37.3 million Americans live with diabetes, and another 38% of adults have prediabetes. Raising awareness and learning as much as possible about preventing and treating diabetes is essential. University of Illinois Extension offers...
Two row tunnels protecting plants in a garden
Tips for extending the garden’s growing season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season in a vegetable garden doesn’t have to end so soon. Stretch growth with techniques that extend the typical growing season past the point where crops would normally be grown outdoors. Protection from frosts can happen at either end of the growing season. A...
green acorns on an oak branch
Tree identification workshop highlights importance of Illinois' native oaks
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to 21 different native oak species whose populations provide habitat and food for wildlife, support biodiverse ecosystems, contribute to improved air and water quality, and provide residential shade benefits that help to reduce energy use. Gain a better...
ylt members pose with donations
Youth-led initiative creates local action, statewide change
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. ­– Counties across Illinois were tasked with gathering non-perishable food and care items as part of the annual, statewide 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair Aug. 11-13. “In Illinois, over a million people face hunger,...
Group of yellow and purple perennial plants.
Four Seasons Gardening series ushers in the fall season with care
URBANA, Ill. — As seasons shift, take care and fall into gardening with ease. Find healing, growth, and how adding a little planning keeps the mind going and growing. Explore how to keep the season alive with tips for dividing perennials, continuing self-growth, and healing with time...
Janice Phillips, assistant director for the Illinois Department of Public Health, served as the keynote speaker at the 2023 food summit.
Community partners address food access to build a better future for the region
MARION, Ill. – Food pantries, schools, healthcare providers, farmers, businesses, and religious and community organizations came together to address food access during the 2023 Food Security Summit. The third-annual event allowed agencies to collaborate, learn, and prioritize healthy food access...
Combine unloading into wagon
Focus on safety to prevent accidents during busy harvest season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season is beginning across the state, and for farmers, this means early mornings, long days, and the potential for exhaustion that can lead to accidents. University of Illinois Extension Specialist and Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering Assistant...
A brain graphic holding up a barbell.
Brain health is a no brainer with three-part series for seniors
PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. –Aging, memory, and lifestyle factors all contribute to the health of our brains. Join Illinois Extension for a free three-part brain health series during the month of October. Throughout the series, participants will learn about the aging brain and what you can do to...
A woman at a table covered in flyers and pamphlets holds a guide book open while speaking with another woman
Extension grows agriculture connections at Farm Progress Show
DECATUR, Ill. — Agriculture is not just a job; it’s a way of life for so many, and it’s part of University of Illinois Extension’s mission to help. The 2023 Farm Progress Show, hosted Aug. 28-30 in Decatur, Ill., attracted...
Monarch caterpillars crawling around milkweed plants.
Butterflies can eat to live, live to eat in a balanced garden
URBANA, Ill. — A favorite thing about visiting gardens in the summer is catching sight of a butterfly enjoying nectar from a brightly colored zinnia or a monarch caterpillar munching on a milkweed leaf. When designing a butterfly garden, expand and balance plant selection to provide more than...
class winners and their dogs pose with ribbons
Wet noses, wagging tails, friendly competition greet 4-H dog exhibitors
DIXON, Ill. — It was a day filled with wet noses and wagging tails as more than 150 dog owners competed for championship honors in the 2023 Illinois 4-H State Dog Show held Aug. 26 at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Dog facility in Dixon. 4-H members who excel in the 4-H dog project are...