Identify, avoid, and manage troublesome wild parsnip
URBANA, Ill. — I love parsnips. Often parsnips, large white carrot-like root vegetables, are substituted for celery in my soups and stews. The cultivated parsnip that we eat heralds from the appropriately named wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa. However, wild parsnip is a plant to avoid. The wild...
What’s in a name? The roots of fruit and vegetable names are long and intertwined
URBANA, Ill. – While Ireland is known for potatoes and Italy for its tomato-based sauces, many iconic fruits and vegetables have a tangled global history that has led to what ends up in your garden or on your plate. If someone says aubergine and you say eggplant, or maybe chickpeas and garbanzo...
Expand your knowledge of regenerative agriculture at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
URBANA, Ill. — Whether you are a farmer, producer, or consumer, it is important to stay informed on current and upcoming agricultural practices. The ag industry is fast-paced and filled with technology pushing efficiency forward. Without these advancements, farmers could not continue to feed the...
Bugged by houseplant pests? Give carnivorous plants a try
URBANA, Ill. – During the chilly, dreary winter months, I enjoy my green houseplants that add a bright spot in my office and living space. So when I was visiting a new specialty plant shop this fall, I had to add a new plant friend, “Ping,” to my collection.
If you have ever dealt with...
Strong Couples program helps families build relationships that last
PEORIA, Ill - Sustaining a healthy and supportive relationship can be difficult for many couples. The Strong Couples Project started in Illinois in 2020 as an effort to assist couples by providing them with knowledge and skills related to...
Virtual map provides a tool for rain garden stewardship
URBANA, Ill. – When caring for a rain garden, one of the most helpful tools may not be a rake or a pruner, but a map. The Red Oak Rain Garden interactive map shows the layout of the garden’s native plant placement. This makes maintenance easier and also helps visitors learn about the...
Youth excellence shines at 4-H public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held at...
Plant top annuals of 2023 to create craveable container gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Experienced container gardeners likely know that successful containers have good drainage, appropriate sun exposure, and proper potting media. Get a jump on new annual arrivals each year, discover the best performers, and be the envy of your neighborhood this summer by building...
Repurposed feed and seed bags have become support for pollinator project
LEWISTOWN, Ill - Creativity and passion for the environment have spurred on a group of volunteers who are using polypropylene feed and seed bags to help the Elkhart Pollinator Habitat. University of Illinois Extension Master...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
Teens invited to explore healthcare careers at one-day summer event
Healthcare Career Exploration Summer Academy bring hands-on learning to youth
Over the next decade, healthcare careers are expected to grow 13% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This will...
Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...
Plant trees for every season
URBANA, Ill. – In a landscape, trees accomplish multiple tasks, from shading our homes to being a home for wildlife. They do everything from providing food to conserving water as well as contributing to our health and community well-being. As trees provide physical, environmental, and emotional...
Learn 3 ways to can with confidence
UBBANA, Ill. — One of the best ways to preserve food is canning, a home-based method of food preservation that helps people prolong garden harvests, save on food costs, participate in family traditions, and control the quality of the food they eat.
Discover how to can with confidence and...
Farm Estate Planning Series: Choosing a Trustee
Choosing a Trustee/Executor for Your Farm Estate Plan
Disclaimer – The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice. Consult your legal advisor for actual legal advice.
As you work through the estate planning...
STEM Academy is exploring Artificial Intelligence using voice assistance this year
We are excited to be offering STEM Academy again this year, through the collaboration of Pearl Technology, Richwoods Township, Caterpillar, and University of Illinois Extension. The theme is AI Learning: Build Your Own Voice Assistant.
Are you looking for an...
2022 corn and soybean yields by Illinois county
USDA has released estimated Corn Yields by county average for 2022. Stark County led with the highest average yield per acre(ac) at 240.6 bushels (bu) per acre. Tazewell County came in 9th in the state at 229.9 bushels per acre.
Local County Corn Yields:
Tazewell...
