Grow your green thumb this spring with free online gardening classes
URBANA, Ill. – Brush off the trowel and get ready for spring with University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening series starting in March. Four Seasons Gardening is one of Illinois Extension’s most popular gardening series that has...

Healthy forests start with single tree, hands-on landowners
URBANA, Ill. – The forests of Illinois are diverse, whether it’s a backyard with a few tall trees kids play under, an acre for firewood that is also home to deer and other wildlife, or a timber stand that will eventually be harvested and sold. Just in time for spring, the Illinois...

Tazewell 4-H members experience a unique drive-thru award ceremony
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Central Illinois communities convening on coal plant transition planning
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Birds, bees need growers' help to keep pollinating
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Keep houseplants happy with simple solutions
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Summer 4-H conference lets teens virtually explore potential careers
URBANA, Ill. ­– For many teens, deciding where they want to attend college and what they may want to study is challenging. Some may even be the first in their family to attend college. Illinois 4-H makes college and career exploration...

Fulton County 4-H offers college scholarships
University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program in Fulton County 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...

4-H Shooting Sports to hold spring session
University of Illinois Extension announces that the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports program will begin its spring session in April. Registration materials are available online at  go...

Fulton 4-H barrow tattooing and weigh-ins
Those who want their barrows to be eligible for the Fulton County Fair’s Rate-of-Gain Contest or the Illinois State Fair Premiere Contest must have their barrows weighed and tattooed before they are 35 days old.  For State Fair, all barrows must have been farrowed on or after January 1,...

Hemp research a win-win for new Midwestern crop
URBANA, Ill. – Industrial hemp is one of the fasting growing crops across Midwestern fields and researchers are recruiting producers in the race to learn more.  University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educators are...

4-H seeks students to become teen teachers
For over 100 years, the 4-H Youth Development program has helped young people gain leadership skills and provided hands-on education. These days, teenagers can play a vital role in extending these efforts as 4-H Teen Teachers. 4-H is currently recruiting high school-aged students in...

Vulture attacks eat away income for livestock producers
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Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales. Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...

Small, but mighty microgreens are easy to grow indoors
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Stay safe on the farm this planting season
URBANA, Ill. – Spring is characterized by a fury of activity on farms. In the rush to get crops in the ground, farmers may not have safety and health as a priority.  Learn how to prevent common farm injuries and illness during this critical time at a free online webinar by...

Don't be fooled by thin ice
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Protect plants from winter salt damage
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Conference connects the dots between cover crops, soil health, people
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Turfgrass, ornamentals pesticide applicator certification open online
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois pesticide applicators needing to complete the turfgrass and ornamentals category certifications can now access the online training courses to prepare for the exams. University of Illinois Extension is offering...