News releases

Illinois 4-H member shines at National Poultry and Egg Conference
LOUISVILLE, KY – Grady Shaffer, a Illinois 4-H member from Adams County, showcased his poultry expertise on a national stage at the 2024 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 21 in Louisville, Kentucky. Grady competed among top 4-H youth from across the country,...

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...

As climate change impacts the world, citizen science project focuses on community-level data
URBANA, Ill. — “Nice weather we’re having.” “Looks like rain.” “Can you believe how cold it is?” Whether the skies are clear, or a storm is incoming, people pay attention to the weather. It prompts how we dress, where we go, and our plans for the day. We can’t control it, and it is one thing we...

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....

Will agricultural weeds finally claim the upper hand in a changing climate?
URBANA, Ill. — A few years back, a group of weed scientists showed that soil-applied herbicides are less effective against agricultural weeds in the context of our changing climate. Now, the same research...

Illinois Extension's health education transforms lives in Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — In line with Illinois' land-grant mission, University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, fosters knowledge, and builds partnerships to support individuals and communities. In 2023, the team members working in Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences program areas...

Illinois Deer Donation Program evolves to Hunters Feeding Illinois to combat hunger
URBANA, Ill. —  In response to rising food and meat prices and food pantries' difficulties obtaining meat, University of Illinois Extension and key partners launched the Illinois Deer Donation Program in 2022. This initiative initially covered 12 counties and has combated food insecurity by...

Bi-State Conference Series kicks off with Crops Conference in Covington, Indiana
COVINGTON, Ind. – University of Illinois Extension and Purdue University Extension are proud to announce the return of the annual Bi-State Conference series, kicking off with the Crops Conference on Dec. 10th, 2024.This informative event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (EST)...

Learn useful strategies for chronic pain management
URBANA, Ill. — Pain is the body's warning signal that something is wrong. Patients and physicians collaborate to identify and treat the underlying cause at the first signs. However, over time, patients may be diagnosed with chronic pain. According to the ...

Illinois 4-H Hippology Team earns champion title
LOUISVILLE, KY -- The Illinois 4-H State Hippology team showcased their extensive equine knowledge at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, securing the title of 2024 Hippology champions. Their expertise was tested across a range of topics, including breed identification and evaluation,...

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...

Illinois Extension expands access to cultural competency training through train-the-trainer event
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois Extension hosted a national training for the Navigating Difference Cultural Competency curriculum. Eighteen Extension professionals from five states, including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri, participated in a train-the-trainer program at Allerton Park and...

4-H Livestock Skillathon prepares youth for careers in animal agriculture
Urbana, Ill. – Sixty 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer and fall. ...

Prioritize safety first approach of fast-paced technologies at SAFER AG two-day workshop
URBANA, Ill. — Autonomous equipment may seem like something from a movie or the future when, in reality, it is already in use throughout the agriculture industry. From robotic planting to driverless tractors and drones, these forms of technology are advancing quickly to find their place in today...

Conference focuses on construction of a new generation of leaders in Illinois 4-H
Springfield, Ill.—One weekend with over 100 seventh and eighth-grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2024 construction-themed 4-H Junior Leadership Conference held Nov. 2-3 at the...

Illinois 4-H members showcase talents at 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four Illinois 4-H members represented Illinois 4-H at the 23rd Annual International Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield Nov. 1-2. Their short films were selected among submissions from 21 countries, highlighting the creativity and dedication of these young filmmakers. Only...

Illinois Extension brings informative presentations to Greater Peoria Farm Show
PEORIA, Ill. — Meet with agriculture specialists from University of Illinois Extensionand learn about the latest research during the Greater Peoria Farm Show, Dec. 3-5.Show attendees can visit...

Scientists tackle farm nutrient pollution with sustainable, affordable designer biochar pellets
URBANA, Ill. — What if farmers could not only prevent excess phosphorus from polluting downstream waterways, but also recycle that nutrient as a slow-release fertilizer, all without spending a lot of money? In a first-of-its-kind...