News Releases

Canned tomatoes
Learn 3 ways to can with confidence
UBBANA, Ill. — One of the best ways to preserve food is canning, a home-based method of food preservation that helps people prolong garden harvests, save on food costs, participate in family traditions, and control the quality of the food they eat. Discover how to can with confidence and...
two men and a boy standing in a field of corn
Farm Estate Planning Series: Choosing a Trustee
Choosing a Trustee/Executor for Your Farm Estate Plan Disclaimer – The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice.  Consult your legal advisor for actual legal advice. As you work through the estate...
combine harvesting soybeans at sunset
2022 corn and soybean yields by Illinois county
USDA has released estimated Corn Yields by county average for 2022.  Stark County led with the highest average yield per acre(ac) at 240.6 bushels (bu) per acre.  Tazewell County came in 9th in the state at 229.9 bushels per acre. Local County Corn Yields: ...
rows of vegetables with tarp over soil grow behind garden building
Sustainable community gardens benefit local growers, ecosystems, communities
URBANA, Ill. –  The concept of community gardens is not new. One of the most successful, sustainable, and thriving community gardens in the U.S. is the Historic Bethabara Park in North Carolina. It has been active since 1759 and is the oldest community garden in the nation. There is...
Performing Arts group
Fulton 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show held
The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Contest were held on Saturday, April 1 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon.  4-H member Addison Fidler presented an original works speech on Fake Meat; Dalton Leezer presented a formal speech on Diabetes; and 4-H...
livestock judging team
Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team delivers results
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Communication. Confidence. Character. These are some of the skills and traits that Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Coach Robyn Hendel has been fostering in her team members since 2014. The Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team is a 4-H Special Interest (SPIN)...
Rebecca Crumrine staff photo
Rebecca Crumrine promoted to Extension educator
PEKIN, Ill - It is hard to comprehend how many people’s lives have been positively impacted by Rebecca Crumrine since 2017 when she was hired by University of Illinois Extension as an instructor to teach Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Education). In five short years...
two girls in orange hard hats and yellow vests
Youth are inspired at 4G STEM Camp
PEORIA. Ill. - Have you wondered what it would be like to work in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) field in the Greater Peoria area? Women leaders in Central Illinois' manufacturing, technology, and education sectors are working together to coordinate the annual 4G (G +...
drone in the air
FAA requirements for farmers operating a drone
Disclaimer – The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice. Contact your legal advisor and the FAA for more information. Flying a drone can be fun and exciting, however, for safety reasons, many rules need to be followed. The...
landscape
2022 Cash Rents for Illinois Counties
USDA has released estimated Cash Rents per acre (ac) for Illinois counties. The numbers are voluntarily self-reported and not necessarily representative of current cash rent levels. Per the author, these figures are likely low compared to the marketplace. Some counties are not reported due to a...
boy showing cattle
U of I Extension 4-H staff to host YQCA training
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County, will host an in-person YQCA – Youth for the Quality Care of Animals training, on Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Extension office in Lewistown. The class starts at 10 a.m. and both online preregistration and payment of $3 per youth...
fern leaf dipping in water
4-H Adventures in Nature returns with outdoor family activities
PEKIN, Ill. - As Spring approaches in Illinois, many folks are excited to spend more time outside. 4-H Adventures in Nature can help families make the most of their time outdoors. This program, offered by University of Illinois Extension, provides monthly, nature-based challenge activities that...
Lonnie Van Pelt helping a 4-Her
Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports to hold spring session
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension announces that the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports Program will begin its spring session on April 16.  Registration materials are available online at...