A field of yellows flowers poking through the tall grass while the sun is setting.

Gardening tips for every season.

Announcements and Highlights

 A field of corn stalks with the sun setting in the background.

Ewing Demonstration Center

Ewing Demonstration Center has served the southern Illinois agricultural community since 1910, connecting local growers with campus faculty and educators. People gardening together

Canning, gardening, and more

Whether you live in the third story of an apartment or on a 10-acre plot of land, homesteading skills can help bring you and your family closer to the food you eat. Graphic of a butterfly "Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact"

Illinois Extension Strategic Plan

Illinois Extension engaged in a strategic planning process throughout 2024 that created opportunities for many voices to contribute their own vision for Illinois Extension’s future.

Events
More Events

News Releases

black cows grazing in a field
Learn the latest research during Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. — Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag...
9 youth standing behind a banner for "Illinois 4-H Superior Young Producer Contest"
2026 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest winners announced
The 2026 Illinois 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest was held on Aug. 12 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. A record number of 35 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. Members tackle a three-phase competition including livestock...
4-H member holding two fish
Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...
More News Releases

Programs We Offer

4-H Youth Development
Environment
Family Life
Horticulture
Illinois Nutrition Education Programs
Local Foods & Small Farms
Master Gardeners
Master Naturalists

Dig Deeper
Topics we address
Agricultural Technology
Beef Cattle
Christmas Trees
Climate
Community Gardens
Community Planning
Composting
Container Gardens
Cottage Food
Crops
Diabetes
Disasters
Economic Development
Energy
Environmental Quality
Family
Farm Management
Firewood
Flowers
Food
Food Preservation
Food Safety
Forestry
Fruit Trees for Home Gardens
Health
Hemp
Herbs
Home Vegetable Gardening
Houseplants
Illinois Grasses
Illinois Master Naturalist Program
Insects
Invasives
Lawns
Livestock
Local Food Systems and Small Farms
Local Government Education
Mental Health
Mushrooms
Natural Resources
Nutrient Loss Reduction
Personal Finances
Plant Problems
Plants
Pumpkins
Rainfall Management
Regenerative Agriculture
Roses
Septic Systems
Small Fruits for Home Gardens
Soil
Specialty Crops
Thriving Youth
Ticks
Turkey
Vaccines
Weather
Wildlife
Youth Gardening

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings
Serving Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Williamson Counties
Franklin County Extension Office
1212 Ag St
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: 618-439-3178
Jackson County Extension Office
402 Ava Rd.
Murphysboro, IL 62966
Phone: 618-687-1727
Perry County Extension Office
203 North Walnut, Suite A
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
Phone: 618-357-2126
Randolph County Extension Office
1403 N Hillcrest Drive
Sparta, IL 62286
Phone: 618-443-4364
Williamson County Extension Office
1301 Enterprise Way, Suite 60
Marion, IL 62959
Phone: 618-993-3304