Farmland values showing mixed signals
HAVANA, Ill. - Farmland values began to soften in late 2024. With decreasing farm profits in 2023 and 2024, farmland values held firm until the last quarter of 2024. This was the consensus of professional farm managers at the 2025 Illinois Farmland Values and Lease Trends Conference held in...
Stay informed on the latest agricultural research at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
PANA, Ill. — For farmers, producers, and consumers, it is important to stay informed on current and upcoming agricultural practices. The ag industry is fast-paced and filled with technology pushing efficiency forward. Without these advancements, farmers could not continue to feed the growing...
Fulton County 4-H expands oak tree savannah project with state forestry grant
CANTON, Ill. - Illinois 4-H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been selected to receive an Illinois Forestry Development Grant to expand the 4-H Green Communities Oak Tree Savannah planting project in 2025. As part of the initiative, the Fulton County 4-H...
University of Illinois Agronomy Days series returns to ACES
URBANA, Ill. — Summer is back, which means the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will return with its Agronomy Days series, where Illinois growers can learn more about the latest productivity,...
Young Illinois 4-H members inspire at statewide public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State...
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
Teens play an important role in success of 4-H Clover Clinic
This past February, 120 youth from Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell counties gathered for a day of hands-on learning at 4-H Clover Clinic, an event designed to introduce youth to various skills and interests. But behind the scenes, it’s...
Illinois leads most rigorous agricultural greenhouse gas emissions study to date
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers apply nitrogen fertilizers to crops to boost yields, feeding more people and livestock. But when there’s more fertilizer than the crop can take up, some of the excess can be converted into gaseous forms, including nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that traps nearly 300 times...
Rachel Driver moves from volunteer to Extension horticulture coordinator
PEKIN, Ill. - It did not take long for Rachel Driver to become inspired with the work that happens at University of Illinois Extension. In the fall of 2024, she attended the horticulture core education program and a few months...
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023...
Immeasurable impact gained through dedication of Illinois Extension volunteers
URBANA, Ill. — They are friends, neighbors, family members, or someone we run into at local community events. More than 5,000 of these individuals are University of Illinois Extension volunteers.These volunteers make a difference in their...
Illinois Farm Cash Rents in 2025
Cash Farm Rents in Illinois held steady to slightly downward in 2025 compared to 2024. At the recent Illinois Land Values Conference, farm managers from across the state released the statistics analyzed by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (...
Tips for farm financial record keeping
Keeping good financial records is vital for the farm's long-term success. Farm records can get neglected by most farmers who prefer to be out on the property instead of in the office. The following tips, if implemented, can make the farm operation more efficient and stronger and prepare the farm...
Sprout gardening skills at regional Master Gardener 50th Anniversary Celebrations
URBANA, Ill. — Seek out pollinators in native gardens, dive into the world of aquaponics, and see how cutting-edge technology is transforming garden design at upcoming statewide Golden Garden Day celebrations of the 50-year legacy of University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. This...
Dust storms in Illinois: Examining roles of weather and farming practices
URBANA, Ill. — Recent dust storms in Illinois have raised the question of the cause of these events. In the last few years, these dust events have caused fatal accidents among traveling motorists. Another public concern is the drop in air quality during these storms.Some of the emerging...
A layered landscape provides space for wildlife all year
URBANA, Ill. — There are many ways to support pollinators and other wildlife in home landscapes, such as providing floral resources throughout the season, planting host plants, and planting native plants. In addition, consider creating a space for them to live out their life cycles by creating...
A Look at USDA Prospective Plantings Report – March 31, 2025
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released the estimated acres for corn and soybeans to be planted. The report indicates a substantial reduction in intended soybean plantings for 2025 (at a negative 4%), offset by a significant increase in intended acres to be planted in...
4-H Cooking Class held in Fulton County
Youth from Fulton, Mason, and Peoria counties recently gathered at the Illinois Extension office in Lewistown to sharpen their culinary skills to learn essential cooking techniques, explore a brand new 4-H Food Project area, and create delicious food. Long-time 4-H volunteer and...
Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest/Performing Arts Show held
The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show were held on Saturday, March 29 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon. 4-H member Aaliyah Naff presented a formal speech and Aliyah Janssen did an oral interpretation. Both participants received blue ratings and...
