News Releases

Backyard landscape filled with green grass, plants, flowers, and a tree.
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...
A pair of redbud trees in bloom with pink flowers in spring alongside gravel road
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...
Canned tomatoes
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...
two men and a boy standing in a field of corn
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...
combine harvesting soybeans at sunset
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...
Performing Arts group
Fulton 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show held
The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Contest were held on Saturday, April 1 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon.  4-H member Addison Fidler presented an original works speech on Fake Meat; Dalton Leezer presented a formal speech on Diabetes; and 4-H member...
livestock judging team
Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team delivers results
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Communication. Confidence. Character. These are some of the skills and traits that Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Coach Robyn Hendel has been fostering in her team members since 2014. The Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team is a 4-H Special Interest (SPIN)...
Rebecca Crumrine staff photo
Rebecca Crumrine promoted to Extension educator
PEKIN, Ill - It is hard to comprehend how many people’s lives have been positively impacted by Rebecca Crumrine since 2017 when she was hired by University of Illinois Extension as an instructor to teach Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Education). In five short years...
two girls in orange hard hats and yellow vests
Youth are inspired at 4G STEM Camp
PEORIA. Ill. - Have you wondered what it would be like to work in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) field in the Greater Peoria area? Women leaders in Central Illinois' manufacturing, technology, and education sectors are working together to coordinate the annual 4G (G + Games...
drone in the air
FAA requirements for farmers operating a drone
Disclaimer – The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice. Contact your legal advisor and the FAA for more information. Flying a drone can be fun and exciting, however, for safety reasons, many rules need to be followed. The...