Illinois farmland values in 2026 give volatile signals
PEORIA, Ill. - Farmland Sales in Illinois are continuing their recent pattern of being unpredictable. Low farmer profits are the main driver of this volatility, but other factors also weigh on the marketplace. Sources for this article include: The Land Sales Bulletin, the 2026...
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...
Farm Drainage Series Part 7: Farmers incentivizing landowners to make tile improvements
This article is not to be construed as legal advice. Consult with your legal advisor before entering tile agreements.Farm drainage tile systems in Illinois have aged, leaving many farms poorly drained, resulting in lower crop yields. Upgrading farm drainage systems faces many...
Livestock Showmanship Clinic held at Fulton County Fairgrounds
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Earlybird Nutrition, in partnership with Fulton County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee and Fulton County 4-H, hosted a free Livestock Showmanship Clinic for all interested youth on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Lewistown. Robyn Hendel, Grant...
Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...
Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show held
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show were held on Saturday, March 28 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon. 4-H members Josie Featherlin, Julia Jarvis, and Briley Mercer presented formal speeches, Max Mercer and Aaliyah Naff presented...
Extension assists farmers to navigate the challenging farm economy
HAVANA, Ill. - For the past decade, farm profits have been highly volatile making farm business planning difficult. Grain prices have been all over the board — down, up, and back down. Input costs have also been unstable. These and many other factors can create a lot of stress for producers....
Farm Drainage Series part 6: Repairing and maintaining farm tile systems
This article is not to be construed as legal advice. Consult with your legal advisor before entering tile agreements.HAVANA, Ill. - Contractors design modern farm drainage-tile installations to last for many decades. Some older systems are approaching and...
Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...
4-H food decorating workshop sweetens skills for local youth
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - This winter, Fulton County 4-H offered an appetizing adventure for young creators—a food decorating workshop designed to help youth express their artistic flair through frosting and fun. Part of the 4-H Visual Arts project area, the program...
Livestock Showmanship Clinic to be held
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - EarlyBird Nutrition, in partnership with Fulton County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee, and Fulton County 4-H, will host a free Livestock Showmanship Clinic for all interested youth on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, located at 1325...
See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana
URBANA, Ill. — What began as an idea from agricultural industry groups to help ensure safety in the workplace has now become a nationwide movement. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place March 30 through April 6, and the 2026 Illinois kickoff...
2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale returns record-high results
URBANA, Ill. — Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held on Feb. 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $7,284 on 37 lots, setting an all-time record high average for the sale."The...
Illinois Extension supports rural communities with a business transition plans series
URBANA, Ill. — Across the United States, many small-business owners are approaching retirement without a clear plan for what comes next. Although these entrepreneurs have spent decades building companies that support local jobs and services, many are unaware of succession options beyond...
