Fulton 4-H members awarded scholarships
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 $6,000...
How farmers respond to climate-related risk
As climate change increases the frequency of drought, excessive rainfall, and other extreme weather events, farmers face growing uncertainty about crop production. Understanding how farmers perceive and respond to that uncertainty can help improve agricultural policy and climate...
Illinois farm cash rent trends remain steady for most in 2026
PEORIA, Ill. - Illinois farmers and landowners have completed their farm lease negotiations for the 2026 production year. Forecasts indicate farmers will endure a fourth year in a row of operational losses. However, government payments have lessened this impact, and because each farm is...
Farm Safety Day registration is open to all area youth
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Accidents can happen in a split second, that's why it's never too young to start learning how to be situationally aware and safe. For over 30 years, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau have been teaching area youth essential safety skills. This year's Farm...
Fulton County 4-H announces 2026 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, spending time with their 4-H friends while they...
ACES Agronomy Days series returns to University of Illinois
With summer just around the corner, Agronomy Days will soon return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The season-long series teaches Illinois growers the latest...
Delve into water quality research at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
PANA, Ill. — To help area agricultural producers learn about the latest research on water quality, conservation practices, and related topics, the Dudley Smith Initiative is hosting a research plot tour this June with...
Explore key benefits, challenges of using agricultural drones at Illinois Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — Technology continues to advance and modernize today’s farming practices. Drone use in farming has gained steady traction and interest, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.Attendees can learn more at a field-...
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
Illinois farmland values in 2026 give volatile signals
PEORIA, Ill. - Farmland Sales in Illinois are continuing their recent pattern of being unpredictable. Low farmer profits are the main driver of this volatility, but other factors also weigh on the marketplace. Sources for this article include: The Land Sales Bulletin, the 2026...
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...
Farm Drainage Series Part 7: Farmers incentivizing landowners to make tile improvements
This article is not to be construed as legal advice. Consult with your legal advisor before entering tile agreements.Farm drainage tile systems in Illinois have aged, leaving many farms poorly drained, resulting in lower crop yields. Upgrading farm drainage systems faces many...
Livestock Showmanship Clinic held at Fulton County Fairgrounds
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Earlybird Nutrition, in partnership with Fulton County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee and Fulton County 4-H, hosted a free Livestock Showmanship Clinic for all interested youth on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Lewistown. Robyn Hendel, Grant...
Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...
Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show held
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show were held on Saturday, March 28 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon. 4-H members Josie Featherlin, Julia Jarvis, and Briley Mercer presented formal speeches, Max Mercer and Aaliyah Naff presented...
