Native prairie grasses create distinct, breezy aesthetic in home landscape
URBANA, Ill. — Nothing beats the light and airy look of tall, distinctive grasses in a landscape arrangement. The fluffy seedheads and slender, attractive stems practically dance in the wind on breezy days, adding texture as well as a structural element to any landscape bed.    For many...

Make informed decisions for your beef herd
BAYLIS, Ill., – Producers weigh management options to build profitable cattle herds. Researchers at this year's Orr Beef Research Center Field Day will review several management practices to consider. The field at begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Ag Sciences Complex and Fred...

4-H offers family fun day at Dickson Mounds
Though summer is ending, there’s still plenty of time to venture outdoors to enjoy the warm weather – and 4-H can help! The 4-H Outdoor Adventure Family Fun Day on Sat, Aug. 27 will provide an opportunity for families to have fun and explore nature together. Special presenters will offer hands-...

Taking time to select plants for difficult growing conditions helps long-term success
URBANA, Ill – Difficult growing conditions leave gardeners stumped when selecting plants. These planting areas may include alkaline soils, dry shade, over a septic tank, a large local deer population, and more. Always consider the existing site conditions when selecting new plants for...

Leaves of three? Keep poison ivy out of the home landscape
URBANA, Ill. — Experienced gardeners know where poison ivy is likely to be in the home landscape and newer gardeners will likely learn fast. Without knowing poison ivy is in the yard, it is all too easy to get the oils on your hands and clothing while clearing beds of otherwise harmless weeds...

More than 80 pumpkin varieties to be featured at Field Day
URBANA, Ill. – Commercial pumpkin growers can enhance production practices at the upcoming University of Illinois Extension Pumpkin Field Day. The event begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 at Eckert’s Orchard near Belleville. Register by Aug. 29 at...

Overwhelmed by garden produce? Pickle it!
URBANA, Ill. – Sour, sweet, bread and butter, Kosher dills, spears, chips, or slices on a sandwich, or as a snack or side dish – pickles are everywhere. For home gardeners with an abundance of cucumbers and other produce, pickling is a great way to preserve your bounty. While cucumbers...

Create backyard paradise with tropical plant garden
URBANA, Ill. – Summer may be the season for vacations, but if you can’t get away create your own backyard paradise with a tropical plant garden. Tropical plants can be planted in the ground or in containers and overwintered inside. Treat tropical plants as annuals in the Illinois...

New commodity market training inspired by Annie's Project
LEWISTOWN, Ill - Cathy Ekstrand a senior market advisor with Total Farm Marketing, will be teaching a two night course on Commodity Marketing Basics on Wednesday, August 3 and following up with hands on application on August 10, 6-8 pm at University of Illinois Extension, Fulton  County office,...

Tips to harvest garden vegetables at peak quality, flavor
URBANA, Ill. –  Whether you started your first garden this year or are a veteran grower, we’re coming up on the heart of harvest season. One of the advantages of homegrown vegetables is that you can harvest produce at its peak quality and flavor. But knowing when to harvest a crop can be...

Youth have 'reel' fun in June contest
  URBANA, Ill. – Illinois youth headed to the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Channel Catfish Challenge in June. This was the culminating event for the spring contest. Hunter Stevens of Saline County was a top finisher in all...

Midwestern farmer feedback requested to guide $10M resilient agriculture project
URBANA, Ill. – The Diverse Corn Belt project is seeking farmer input through focus groups and in-field research. This is a multidisciplinary project exploring alternative crops, longer rotations, integrating livestock and perennials that could help increase resilience in Midwest agriculture....

Produce donation program improves health and nutrition at food pantries
URBANA, Ill. ­– Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois, a program from Illinois...

Feed your community by safely donating homegrown fruits, vegetables
  URBANA, Ill. – When home gardens are bursting with an overabundance of fresh produce, growers start looking for ways to share their bounty. Backyard gardeners can help feed their community by donating fruits and vegetables to local food pantries. Growers planning on donating to...

Guide outlines steps to take when pesticide drift occurs
URBANA, Ill. – Pesticides assist in managing pests. People should use precise application techniques detailed on the label so they don’t endanger people, pets, livestock, plants, and the environment. Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto adjacent fields...

Livestock judging helps youth improve local herds
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2022 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus on June 20. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard...

Microclovers making a comeback as lawns grow in biodiversity
URBANA, Ill. – Clovers are making a comeback in lawn seed mixes. Today many families want to attract more pollinators to their yards. They are searching for ecologically sound ways to grow grass, including adding white clover back to the turf seed mix. Clover adds diversity to lawns and provides...

To outsmart weeds in the garden, take multiple approaches
  URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners know, weeds will grow nearly anywhere. Even cracks in the pavement can sustain plant life if there is soil, water, and light. Whether a plant is considered a weed depends on how it is affecting the intended use of the site and who is looking at it. “...

Farm Safety Day leaves lasting impression on youth and adults
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SNAP-Ed curriculum enhanced with activities and gifts to reinforce healthy living lessons
Healthy living is more than just what we eat and drink. Thanks to partnerships, University of Illinois Extension Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education staff in Tazewell County enhanced their standard curriculum with additional hands-on activities and gifts for the youth and adult...