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...
Youth sharpen their skills at 2025 Illinois 4-H shooting sports state competitions
Jacksonville, IL — The 2025 Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports State Competitions wrapped up this September, bringing together top youth marksmen from across the state in a series of events that showcased precision, skill, and sportsmanship. Held annually in late August and throughout September, the...
Study: 72% of Illinois wetlands no longer protected by federal Clean Water Act
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois once harbored more than 8 million acres of wetlands. By the 1980s, all but 1.2 million wetland acres had been lost, filled in for development or drained to make way for agriculture. Now, thanks to a 2023 Supreme Court decision, roughly 72% of the remaining 981,000...
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns
URBANA, Ill. — Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for its fourth season, in partnership with Feeding Illinois, Access Illinois Outdoors, ...
Golden Garden Day—West Central Celebration, 50 years of Extension Master Gardener impact
PEORIA, Ill - In 2025, the Illinois Extension Master Gardeners are celebrating 50 years of impact. Five regional events invited people from all over Illinois to join in looking back at the Extension Master Gardener program and how it has grown since 1975. Extension staff and volunteers from the...
Farm Drainage Series - Part 2: Why are there so many Ponded Farm Fields?
HAVANA, Ill. - When heavy rains result in ponded fields, the cause is poor drainage. Old field tiles in poor condition and/or undersized cannot efficiently remove excess water fast enough. When left unaddressed, the problem will worsen over time, resulting in compacted fields and lower yields....
Annie’s Project empowers local women in agriculture through education and networking
PEKIN, Ill. - The landscape of American agriculture is evolving, and at its heart is a growing wave of women stepping into leadership roles on the farm. According to the latest U.S. Ag Census, nearly 36% of the nation’s producers are now female, marking a significant shift in who is shaping the...
Elmwood gears up for increased tourism with Illinois Extension
PEORIA, Ill. - Elmwood is a small town in west central Peoria County, with a population close to 2,000 people. It has a wealth of cultural arts and natural assets that attract tourists. Students in the Sustainability and Rural Tourism course in the University of Illinois Department of Recreation...
Tara Heath attains Certified Crop Adviser certification
Tara Heath, commercial agriculture educator, has recently been certified by the American Society of Agronomy as a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA). To attain this prestigious certification Tara...
Don’t be in the dark when it comes to power grid resiliency in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Power is readily available at the flick of a switch, but what does it take to make that happen now and in the future for everyone? This September, representatives from the Union of Concerned Scientists will join University of Illinois Extension...
