Dig deeper into local agriculture at one of Illinois Extension’s Agronomy Summits
URBANA, Ill. — With the Midwest harvest season in the books and spring 2025 coming into view, plan to attend one of six University of Illinois Extension Agronomy Summits across the state. Attendees will hear research updates from university experts...
Candy jar terrariums: A nostalgic take on a holiday gift
URBANA, Ill. — Leaves and temperatures are falling. As we prepare landscapes and gardens for winter, look towards indoor plant care to warm the mood. Giving plants for the holidays brings a little sunshine and warmth to those near and dear.Impossible bottles or...
Add these garden tools to holiday wish lists
URBANA, Ill. — Gardeners love a fresh pair of pruners or nicely sharpened spade. Using specialized tools helps to lighten the workload, and using the right tool for the job can save a lot of time. Keep these ideas in mind when looking for innovative tools to add to gift lists throughout the...
Overwintering potted plants
URBANA, Ill. — Perennial plants being overwintered in pots are subjected to much harsher conditions compared to those in the soil. Because of this, they can be damaged and killed. Fortunately, there are some steps to try to get these plants through the winter and enjoy them again come spring....
Annie’s Project prepares women to be decision makers in their agricultural operations
PEKIN, Ill. - For the past several years there has been a rapidly growing population of women producers and an increasing role they are playing in agricultural operations. Women are taking on the role of management and more opportunities are being shifted to this new...
Illinois Extension Master Gardeners celebrate 50 years of impact, momentum for future
URBANA, Ill. — The 1970s were a time of change; people nationwide had growing concerns about environmental damage from industrial pollution and a renewed interest in home gardening. The environmental movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, Earth Day, and the Illinois...
Tara Heath promoted to Extension crops educator
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The agriculture industry continues to change rapidly, impacting everyone from the producers to the industry professionals to the food consumers. University of Illinois Extension is growing its team of commercial agriculture educators to provide research-based, unbiased...
Youth learn farm and personal safety at 4-H event
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Living in rural America, people tend to have a general idea of the accidents that can happen on the farm. Thanks to the annual Farm Safety Day, 160 youth have a better understanding of how to stay safe on the farm, in their homes, and in their communities. “...
The quest of growing wonderberries
URBANA, Ill. — The quest for a new item to add to the garden this past winter led one horticulture educator, Christina Lueking, to grow a summertime berry that might fill a gap after the strawberry harvest fizzled, and before the raspberries matured. An interesting packet of seeds for a plant...
Learn practical tips to make sourdough bread
URBANA, Ill. — Baking sourdough bread can be a rewarding but sometimes tricky process. Success lies in knowing the essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and baking methods that make it possible.Discover the mysteries behind turning essential ingredients, flour, water, and salt,...
Consider plants with winter interest in landscapes
URBANA, Ill. — Sitting by the crackling fireplace, wrapped in a cozy blanket inside our homes this winter, the appreciation for the outdoors is limited to the scenes framed by a frosty windowpane. Consider incorporating some plants into the landscape that create dazzling winter interest with...
Fulton County 4-H to host Achievement Awards and Volunteer Recognition Event
Fulton County 4-H will host its annual Achievement Awards program along with a Volunteer Recognition Event at the Donaldson Center located at 250 S. Ave D in Canton, on Sunday, October 20 at 2 p.m. All 4-H members and their families are welcome and encouraged to attend. All 4-H volunteers will...
Extension demonstrates usefulness of drones in farm operations
PEKIN, Ill. - Drone technology is increasing in its applicability in improving farm operations. University of Illinois Extension Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit Farm Management Educator Kevin Brooks uses drones to assist...
Invasive plants are no match for local Extension Master Naturalists
LEWISTOWN, Ill. — When certain plants get established in an ecosystem, they can choke out the more beneficial native plants. Left unchecked, those invasive species can destroy the native ecosystem and natural beauty. Local volunteers have a passion for eradicating invasive plants, and thanks to...
Build up a farm’s resiliency, producer confidence through Illinois legal series webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Being proactive about the decisions of any farming operation reduces risk, increases resiliency, impacts profitability, and equips producers with the confidence to run their farms. Understanding legal issues can dispel anxiety and help farmers realize their power to control their...
Resources and research offered at Marketing Rural Tourism workshop
ELMWOOD, Ill. – For those who live in a small town the benefits of small town living seem obvious. However it can be a challenge for rural communities to market those benefits to a larger audience and draw in tourism traffic. There are various tools and ideas available for organizations,...
