2022 Field crop disease, insect management report available
URBANA, Ill — Every year, University of Illinois scientists conduct pest and disease surveys in corn and soybean crops across the state, along with in-field tests of insecticides, seed treatments, and more. The 2022 report, now available, describes ongoing Bt-resistance monitoring results; field...
Fulton County 4-H offers college scholarships
LEWISTOWN, Ill - Fulton County 4-H announces college scholarships being offered to Fulton County 4-H members. Several scholarships, in various amounts, will be awarded to county 4-H members at his or her high school graduation or awards program.
One group of scholarships is given...
Extension is back to agribusiness with new farm business educator in Central Illinois
HAVANA, Ill. – After an 11-year hiatus, Kevin Brooks returned to University of Illinois Extension in December as the farm business management and marketing educator for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. He previously served in this role from 2000 to 2011 in...
Flowers are a forgotten love language
URBANA, Ill. – Love. Amor. Aimer. Liebe. Milovat. A red rose. Six different languages, all expressing the same emotion. Floriography is the forgotten language or secret language of flowers. Throughout history, including the Victorian Era and many cultures including the Persians have used flowers...
Crop insurance perspectives for farmers and landowners
HAVANA, Ill. - As the calendar enters February, discussion on the 2023 crop turns to the subject of Crop Insurance. The deadline for Federal Crop Insurance signup is March 15 for row crops in Illinois. Federal Crop Insurance (FCI) is heavily subsidized at the tune of about 60% of the...
Sow seeds of change, learn how to save garden seeds
URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners dream of spring and flip through catalogs looking for the best seeds, it makes you wonder where they come. Sure, seeds come from the fruit of a plant, but how does it happen? A good challenge for any gardener is to learn how to harvest and save seed.
If you...
Fulton 4-H steer tattoo and weigh-in date announced
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Those who want their steers to be eligible for the Fulton County Rate‑of‑Gain Contest, the Illinois State Fair Junior Show, or the Illinois State Fair Premiere Contest, must bring their steer(s) to be weighed and tattooed at the date scheduled by University of Illinois...
Tree bark adds visual bite to winter landscapes
URBANA, Ill. – With bright colors and interesting shapes, unusual tree and shrub bark can add visual interest to winter landscapes. Many types of bark become more distinctive and sought after during winter months. Selecting trees based on their bark can bring four seasons of visual interest to...
Planning a new perennial garden? Plant for the whole garden ecosystem
URBANA, Ill. - Welcome to winter. The days are short and cold, and if you enjoy plants, hopefully, you have a few indoors to boost your mood. However, there is already light on the horizon. Spring will be here before you know it, and now is a wonderful time to plan out your new perennial gardens...
4-H Federation to host countywide 4-H roller skating party
LEWISTOWN, Ill - Fulton County 4-H Federation will host a county-wide 4-H roller skating party on Saturday, January 14 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Skateland Canton, located at 1040 W Hickory St, Canton. All Fulton County 4-H members and their families are invited to attend and have a fun-filled afternoon...
Give your green thumb a hand, join vegetable gardening workshop
URBANA, Ill. – Dig in with confidence this spring with Growing Great Vegetables, a five-week webinar series that will cover how to grow a vegetable garden from seed to harvest. Whether growers have several acres or a patio with a few containers, now is the time to start planning for a successful...
Burning local firewood this winter can save forests
URBANA, Ill. – Nothing beats the warmth of a crackling fireplace on these coldest days of the year. Each winter, as my family enjoys the cozy warmth of our woodstove room, I’m always thankful for the firewood supply we’ve been fortunate enough to accumulate.
Most of the wood we burn...
Take small steps to improve, support the environment this winter
URBANA, Ill. – Widespread environmental issues like changing weather patterns and habitat loss can feel overwhelming, but small everyday choices make a difference. Explore sustainable maple syrup harvesting, tornado trends in the U.S., and what research says about how to support pollinators in...
Youth invited to join Junior Master Naturalist program
Does your child enjoy the outdoors, playing, and learning more about the natural world? Then the Junior Master Naturalist program is the perfect way for your 9 – 12-year-old to explore and discover nature.
University of Illinois Extension Junior Master Naturalist program provides science...
Give someone a green holiday season with the gift of plants
URBANA, Ill. – If picking the perfect holiday gift stresses you out, this year visit your local garden center for a natural gift that keeps on giving. Gardening and growing plants is an experiential gift that is both rewarding and fun.
If you are gifting a plant this season, remember to...
Indoor gardening can brighten winter doldrums
URBANA, Ill. – Dreading the long cold months of winter? Create a green space indoors with plants.
Historically, plants have been used for their medicinal properties. Growing movements like horticulture therapy use plants for their healing properties, individual health, and well-being....
