Prevent, protect zinnias from powdery mildew
URBANA, Ill. — The summer is always a little brighter in the garden when brightly colored zinnias are among the various plants. Zinnias are heat and drought-tolerant plants that attract a variety of summer pollinators. This flower thrives early in the season, but as summer temperatures rise and...
From humble beginnings: The growth of the Mason County 4-H Shooting Sports Club
HAVANA, Ill. - In 2013, a passionate group of volunteers laid the foundation for one of Mason County’s most respected 4-H special interest clubs: the Mason County 4-H Shooting Sports Club. What began with a handful of 4-H volunteers, a few youth members, some borrowed equipment, and a vision for...
Karen Weigelt added to Illinois Extension natural resources team
PEORIA, Ill. - Over the past 13 years, the local University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program has steadily grown in the number of volunteers and the educational programs offered. It became important to add to the team to continue with the quality support Extension staff...
Fulton 4-H Pet Show held
LEWISTOWN, Ill - The Fulton County 4-H Pet Show was held on June 11, at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. Eleven 4-H members exhibited fourteen pets. Dr. Jaye Marcum served as the judge for Cats, and Debbie Beoletto judged Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, and Small Pets.Best...
Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...
How to prepare to field scout with your farm drone
HAVANA, Ill - Farm drones can be valuable in helping farmers keep an eye on their crops through the growing season. The farmer can carry out tasks efficiently and effectively with proper preparation. Here are some of the basic checks needed to make to ensure a safe and effective flight....
Celebrate Pollinator Week with tips and tools for a more pollinator-friendly yard
URBANA, Ill. — As they flutter through plant and flower blossoms, spreading pollen with every landing, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators quietly sustain healthy ecosystems, successful home vegetable gardens, and agricultural production. This...
Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...
Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...
Add two new Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer plans
URBANA, Ill. — Take a break from summer garden care and watering for a conversation about native bees and crop rotation. Two new sessions from the Four Seasons Gardening series will have attendees ...
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways....
Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499...
Fulton County 4-H announces 2025 4-H Shows
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Ask a 4-H member their favorite part of being in 4-H and more than likely they will tell you something about the “fair.” Their favorite memories may be about working in the food stand, earning a Best of Show or State Fair ribbon, hanging out with their 4-H friends while they...
Congratulations to Fulton County 4-H scholarship recipients
LEWISTOWN, Ill - Each year, Fulton County 4-H is pleased to offer scholarships to graduating high school 4-H members who have actively participated in 4-H events and exhibited leadership during their 4-H career. Thanks to generous financial donors, Fulton County 4-H was able to present $6,600 in...
Understanding Illinois farmland property taxes
HAVANA, Ill - Understanding Illinois property tax calculations is complex and confusing. Properties such as personal residences are taxed based on fair market value. The State of Illinois assesses farmland based on the agricultural use value rather than the farm market value. Based...
Could nanoplastics in the environment turn E. coli into a bigger villain?
URBANA, Ill. — Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they’re in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don’t know the full extent of their impacts on our health, but...
Local communities gain awareness of state funding sources at Extension program
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - No matter the size of the community, there are always projects that need addressed. And many times, those projects are also in need of funding sources. A recent meeting facilitated by University of Illinois Extension helped community leaders connect with three state funding...
Farmland values showing mixed signals
HAVANA, Ill. - Farmland values began to soften in late 2024. With decreasing farm profits in 2023 and 2024, farmland values held firm until the last quarter of 2024. This was the consensus of professional farm managers at the 2025 Illinois Farmland Values and Lease Trends Conference held in...
