New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...
Big topics for small business class offered
Being a small business owner can be challenging these days, with numerous decisions to be made. It can get overwhelming and time-consuming. The class, “Money Smart for Small Business,” is designed to help lighten the load of entrepreneurs in areas of great importance. University of...
Farm Finance Series: The current situation and a look at history
With lower grain prices, higher interest rates, and increased production costs, some farms are facing a challenging financial situation. According to the Federal Reserve, the number of individuals experiencing severe financial stress remains low, but the trend is moving upward. The hard news is...
Illinois Extension offers legal series to empower farmers to strengthen, safeguard operations
URBANA, Ill. — In times of uncertainty, protecting your livelihood and assets is essential. Each farm and farm family has a unique experience and specific needs, but the success of Illinois farmers is vital for everyone in our state.“With the converging crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,...
Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits equip farmers with strategies for year ahead
URBANA, Ill. — With harvest season behind us and spring planting on the horizon, now is the time to prepare for the year ahead. University of Illinois Extension invites farmers, agronomists, and agriculture professionals to attend one of the...
Young builders bring stories to life in 4-H challenge
URBANA, Ill. — From mad scientists to haunted trees, Illinois 4-H youth let their imaginations run wild in October’s statewide 4-H Creating with Building Bricks Challenge, themed “Monster Mash: Build a spooky creature or monster.” More than 80 youth from across Illinois...
Landowner Series – Cash-rent farm lease contract tips for landowners and farmers
Having a well-written farm lease is vital in today's farm rental marketplace. The purpose of this article is to provide tips to consider when constructing a cash farm lease in Illinois. Landowners and farmers can find farm lease templates online. Commonly used lease templates in Illinois are...
Time change raises risk of driver collisions with wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — This Sunday at 2 a.m. Central Standard Time, daylight saving time will end, with clocks set back one hour. One of the most noticeable effects of “falling back” is that people will find themselves driving home from work or for after-school activities as the sun sets, putting them...
Landowner Series – Using a flexible cash farm lease
A flexible cash lease is an alternative to a straight cash lease. The flexible cash leash protects the farmer and landowner from economic loss. This type of lease can prevent a farmer from committing to a lease that requires a high guaranteed rent payment, allowing the landowner to have a higher...
Fulton County 4-H Federation officers are elected
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Fulton County 4-H Federation had election of officers at its October 4 meeting. Cole Ricker was elected President, and Lee Tilton was elected Vice President. Alexander Wetterauer was elected Secretary, and Holden Myers was elected Treasurer.Fulton County 4-H Federation...
4-H members and volunteers honored at achievement and volunteer recognition event
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County 4-H recently honored thirty-two 4-H members for their outstanding accomplishments in the 4-H program. The Achievement Program and Volunteer Recognition Event was held Sunday, October 19, at the Donaldson Community Center in Canton...
Water trees wisely to beat winter woes
URBANA, Ill. — As autumn colors emerge, it may seem that trees are preparing for rest. However, when fall brings dry conditions instead of seasonal rains, trees can enter winter under stress. Fall droughts can be subtle but have lasting impacts. With timely care, trees can weather dry spells and...
Farm Drainage Series – Part 3: A tile main multi-farm project
HAVANA, Ill. - Draining excess water from farm fields in Illinois is vital to food and renewable fuel production. However, the lack of adequate farm drainage is a serious problem. Many older farm drainage systems are still in place but are past their viable economic use value due to being...
National 4-H Week observed in Fulton County
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Fulton County 4-H Clubs prepared window displays promoting the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program during National 4-H Week, October 5 -11, 2025. Fulton County 4-H clubs used the theme “Red, White, and Blue and Clover too!”. Five 4-H clubs created festive and eye-...
Youth handlers shine at 2025 4-H state dog show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The 2025 Illinois 4-H Dog Show was held on Oct. 4 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. Sixty-six 4-H members represented their home counties across Illinois in 118 individual runs made in partnership with their canine companion. Members who received a qualifying score at...
4-H and Canton Park District bring a piece of Illinois history back to Fulton County
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Early settlers to the Midwest were in awe of the park-like landscapes of oak savannas, which once dotted the prairie. Today, these beautiful and unique ecosystems are among the most threatened in the world. But thanks to the ...
Garden of Hope and SNAP-Ed work together on health and gardening classes
PEORIA, Ill. - Gardening is an excellent activity to do for one’s health. It combines healthy nutritious food, with outdoor activity. When you add those to a lovely, peaceful environment you have a recipe for success. University of Illinois Extension’s ...
