Farm estate planning series
HAVANA, Ill. - Studies have shown that fewer than 20 percent of farm families have an effective estate plan to roadmap what happens to the family farm when dad and mom retire or pass away. Death is inevitable. What is very normal is that families avoid talking about what is unavoidable. ...
Learn how to manage invasive species online and in the field with statewide hybrid course
URBANA, Ill. — From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts. Learn how to manage invasive plants in Introduction to Invasive Species Management, a two-day hybrid program led by University of Illinois Extension educators...
Competition heats up in youth fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament has posted it second round of leaderboard results and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge...
Using your farm drone to conduct field stand counts for corn and soybeans
HAVANA, Ill. - Competition for farmland is fierce. Many other farmers may want to work the same land you do, whether renting or buying. Farming is a highly competitive business. Being efficient in business is essential to successful farm operations. Prioritizing management activities that will...
Small businesses can gain valuable lessons at OSHA Basics 101 workshop
PEKIN, Ill. – Small business owners take on a lot of different roles and responsibilities. It can become overwhelming at times to manage it all. The safety and well-being of their employees is an essential aspect of any business owner. The Occupational Safety and...
IRS provisions for excess fertility deductions on purchased farmland and ranchland
This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice.HAVANA, Ill. - Recent attention has been given to farmland and ranchland buyers using Section 180 of the IRS code to depreciate excess fertility on newly purchased or inherited farms and...
Prevent, protect zinnias from powdery mildew
URBANA, Ill. — The summer is always a little brighter in the garden when brightly colored zinnias are among the various plants. Zinnias are heat and drought-tolerant plants that attract a variety of summer pollinators. This flower thrives early in the season, but as summer temperatures rise and...
From humble beginnings: The growth of the Mason County 4-H Shooting Sports Club
HAVANA, Ill. - In 2013, a passionate group of volunteers laid the foundation for one of Mason County’s most respected 4-H special interest clubs: the Mason County 4-H Shooting Sports Club. What began with a handful of 4-H volunteers, a few youth members, some borrowed equipment, and a vision for...
Karen Weigelt added to Illinois Extension natural resources team
PEORIA, Ill. - Over the past 13 years, the local University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program has steadily grown in the number of volunteers and the educational programs offered. It became important to add to the team to continue with the quality support Extension staff...
Fulton 4-H Pet Show held
LEWISTOWN, Ill - The Fulton County 4-H Pet Show was held on June 11, at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. Eleven 4-H members exhibited fourteen pets. Dr. Jaye Marcum served as the judge for Cats, and Debbie Beoletto judged Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, and Small Pets.Best...
An overview of agriculture conditions - May 2025
HAVANA, Ill. - The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank reported on the current economic conditions and trends in the northern two-thirds of Illinois and Indiana, southern Wisconsin, and all of Iowa and Michigan. This report includes comments on credit conditions, cash rents, and land values....
Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...
How to prepare to field scout with your farm drone
HAVANA, Ill - Farm drones can be valuable in helping farmers keep an eye on their crops through the growing season. The farmer can carry out tasks efficiently and effectively with proper preparation. Here are some of the basic checks needed to make to ensure a safe and effective flight....
Celebrate Pollinator Week with tips and tools for a more pollinator-friendly yard
URBANA, Ill. — As they flutter through plant and flower blossoms, spreading pollen with every landing, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators quietly sustain healthy ecosystems, successful home vegetable gardens, and agricultural production. This...
Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...
Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...
Add two new Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer plans
URBANA, Ill. — Take a break from summer garden care and watering for a conversation about native bees and crop rotation. Two new sessions from the Four Seasons Gardening series will have attendees exploring more about native bees and ways to...
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways....
Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499...
