Master Gardeners take an active role to address food security and access
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - In 2022, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) serving in Futon, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties were challenged to dedicate a portion of their volunteer time and continuing education for...
Illinois Strong Couples program earns Extension Excellence Award
URBANA, Ill. – Unmitigated, chronic relationship distress can significantly impair the health and well-being of individuals, their families, and the broader community. A University of Illinois Extension program was recently honored for its innovative approach to offer education and coaching for...
Start spring early by forcing branches to bloom indoors
The weather during late winter can feel like being on a roller coaster. One day, it feels like spring, and the next, we are reminded that it’s still winter. To help tide you over, you can try forcing some spring-flowering trees and shrubs to bloom early and bring some bright spring colors...
The evolution of 4-H: Looking at the many ways 4-H impacts the lives of young people
PEKIN, Ill - Did you know that 4-H is the largest youth development program in the country?! According to the National 4-H website, “4-H serves youth in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state across the nation.” However, this impressive...
Addressing food insecurity and its impact on health
URBANA, Ill. – Hunger is a condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the necessary nutrients to lead active and productive lives. Food insecurity, on the other hand, refers to economic and social conditions that limit access to safe and nutritious food in sufficient quantities...
Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports receives donation
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports Special Interest (SPIN) club recently received a memorial donation from the family of Dale Lascelles. Mr. Lascelles, a long-time Fulton County resident and farmer, was a member of 4-H and FFA who loved sports and trap shooting. Dale...
Trauma & Food training held through Food Pantry Network
PEORIA, Ill. - When working in the charitable food system, one often focuses on a very important goal – nourishing neighbors in need. However, the needs of guests may go beyond physical nourishment. Food Pantry Network-HOI provided professional development to pantry managers and volunteers to...
Communication strengthens the farmer and landowner relationship
My role as Farm Management Educator involves teaching about landowner/farmer relationships. Educationally, University of Illinois Extension provides unbiased information. For full disclosure, I hold an Illinois Broker license and have worked as a professional farm manager. As a farm...
Gardeners’ Gathering: a morning of garden fun and learning!
EUREKA, Ill. – Spring is on its way, our gardens will be starting to show life soon, and many gardeners are ready to start digging and planting! University of Illinois Extension Woodford County Master Gardeners are hosting Gardeners’ Gathering on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the...
2022 Field crop disease, insect management report available
URBANA, Ill — Every year, University of Illinois scientists conduct pest and disease surveys in corn and soybean crops across the state, along with in-field tests of insecticides, seed treatments, and more. The 2022 report, now available, describes ongoing Bt-resistance monitoring results; field...
Fulton County 4-H offers college scholarships
LEWISTOWN, Ill - Fulton County 4-H announces college scholarships being offered to Fulton County 4-H members. Several scholarships, in various amounts, will be awarded to county 4-H members at his or her high school graduation or awards program.
One group of scholarships is given...
Extension is back to agribusiness with new farm business educator in Central Illinois
HAVANA, Ill. – After an 11-year hiatus, Kevin Brooks returned to University of Illinois Extension in December as the farm business management and marketing educator for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. He previously served in this role from 2000 to 2011 in...
Flowers are a forgotten love language
URBANA, Ill. – Love. Amor. Aimer. Liebe. Milovat. A red rose. Six different languages, all expressing the same emotion. Floriography is the forgotten language or secret language of flowers. Throughout history, including the Victorian Era and many cultures including the Persians have used flowers...
Crop insurance perspectives for farmers and landowners
HAVANA, Ill. - As the calendar enters February, discussion on the 2023 crop turns to the subject of Crop Insurance. The deadline for Federal Crop Insurance signup is March 15 for row crops in Illinois. Federal Crop Insurance (FCI) is heavily subsidized at the tune of about 60% of the...
Sow seeds of change, learn how to save garden seeds
URBANA, Ill. – As gardeners dream of spring and flip through catalogs looking for the best seeds, it makes you wonder where they come. Sure, seeds come from the fruit of a plant, but how does it happen? A good challenge for any gardener is to learn how to harvest and save seed.
If you...
Fulton 4-H steer tattoo and weigh-in date announced
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Those who want their steers to be eligible for the Fulton County Rate‑of‑Gain Contest, the Illinois State Fair Junior Show, or the Illinois State Fair Premiere Contest, must bring their steer(s) to be weighed and tattooed at the date scheduled by University of Illinois...
Tree bark adds visual bite to winter landscapes
URBANA, Ill. – With bright colors and interesting shapes, unusual tree and shrub bark can add visual interest to winter landscapes. Many types of bark become more distinctive and sought after during winter months. Selecting trees based on their bark can bring four seasons of visual interest to...
Planning a new perennial garden? Plant for the whole garden ecosystem
URBANA, Ill. - Welcome to winter. The days are short and cold, and if you enjoy plants, hopefully, you have a few indoors to boost your mood. However, there is already light on the horizon. Spring will be here before you know it, and now is a wonderful time to plan out your new perennial gardens...
