Extraordinary Fulton County 4-H volunteer honored
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Lonnie Van Pelt, a 14-year volunteer in Fulton County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless...
4-H members demonstrate skills at 2026 State Dog Show
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – 4-H members from across the state recently demonstrated their skills during the Illinois 4-H Dog Show, held Aug. 22 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington. The show is open to 4-H members who are enrolled in the...
Using forestry tools was the core lesson at recent Extension workshop
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Every tree has a story to tell, you just need the right tools to read it. Those stories are written in tree rings, hidden in their height, and tucked away in details most of us walk right past.During Forestry Skills 101: Using Forestry Tools, 13 participants plus four...
4-H volunteers honored for exceptional service
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois 4-H volunteers empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 15,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Longtime volunteers and former staff members were recently...
Farm Estate Planning Series: Are your heirs ready for the changes your death will cause?
Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal or tax advice.PEORIA, Ill. - Thinking about retiring from farming? Maybe you are brainstorming how the operation will transition when you are gone due to illness, injury, or death....
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...
Tree pruning workshop took root beyond the orchard
PEKIN, Ill. - A Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension continues to produce results months after participants left Christ Orchard in Elmwood. Twenty-one people attended the February 2026 program to learn how proper pruning can improve tree health, structure, and...
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...
Farm Estate Planning Series: First step is organize your farm into a document
Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal or tax advice.PEORIA, Ill. - This article will help you organize your farm into a document from which you will create an estate plan, so your advisors understand exactly what you...
Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....
Field day offers in-depth look at commercial pumpkin production
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkins are big business in Illinois. In 2024, the state harvested more than twice the pumpkin acreage of the next five states combined, topping 485 million pounds. As Illinois...
Celebrating independence through 4-H youth development
PEORIA, Ill. - The greatest gifts we can give youth in 4-H go beyond a champion banner, plaque, or even letterman jacket. Confidence in their own abilities is the real reward!As mentors, it's natural to want to step in and help. For project helpers, the desire is there for animals to look...
4-H Club Spotlight: Tazewell Country 4-H Club offers unique learning experiences
PEKIN, Ill. - 4-H meetings are more than just a regular monthly meeting. Just ask the members of the Tazewell Country 4-H club. Located primarily in Hopedale, members of this club are engaged with their local community and build unique connections each year. The club continues a long...
Farm Estate Planning Series: You need a solid farm estate plan
Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal or tax advice.PEORIA, Ill. - In the past decade, more attention has been given to estate planning for family farm businesses, as the average age of commercial farmers in Illinois is...
Master Gardeners invest in accessible gardens at local nursing home
PEKIN, Ill. - When Hallmark House physical therapist and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Vic Harting looked at the outdoor spaces surrounding the nursing home, she saw more than landscaping. She saw an opportunity to create meaningful moments of connection for individuals who...
Pet show was "puurrrfect" for Fulton 4-H members
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Pet Show was held on June 10, at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. Ten 4-H members exhibited fourteen pets. Makenna Johnson served as the judge for Cats and Guinea Pigs; Debbie Beoletto judged Rabbits and Small Pets.Best of...
