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 ...
Terminating a farm lease in Illinois
The following article is not to be construed as legal advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Information in this article comes in part from the State of Illinois Compiled Statutes (735 ILCS 5/9-206) (from Ch. 110, par. 9-206), which the reader can access online. Other...
Extraordinary Fulton County 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. Crista Hartstirn, a 15-year volunteer in Fulton County, was recently honored by Illinois 4-H for her selfless...
Stop the exodus of the youngest and brightest talent from rural communities: A community discussion
HAVANA, Ill. - Rural communities have so much to offer, yet the population continues declining across the state. City leaders in Canton, Illinois, have taken action to try to change the trend. Canton community members and all neighboring community members are invited to join the conversation to...
Start selecting 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Sale bulls
URBANA, Ill. — Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale. The IPT Bull Sale is the leadoff event for the annual Illinois Beef Expo in...
