News Releases

Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy.  Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different...

Stakeholder feedback welcome as Illinois Extension embarks on strategic planning
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Extension programs were established in 1914 as part of the national Smith-Lever Act, which empowered the country’s land-grant universities in the creation of...

Youth test their knowledge of horse health and more in state contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...

Livestock judging helps youth develop areas of expertise
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed...

Youth gain persuasive speaking skills in equine contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 22...

Illinois AgrAbility ready to serve farmers across the state
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers have always been the backbone of America. The state of Illinois includes 72,650 farms that cumulatively harvest over 27 million acres and are operated by 118,000 producers. The work involved is not only the farmer’s livelihood but rather their way of life. ...

New Illinois 4-H team empowers youth voices, promotes skill development
Urbana, Ill. – Seven Illinois teens have joined the first-ever Illinois 4-H Influencer Team. This team is tasked with promoting 4-H to statewide audiences and providing valuable experiential...

Reduce storm damage by looking for tree defects before bad weather strikes
URBANA, Ill. — High winds during summer storms wreak havoc on trees. Tree defects increase the likelihood of failure, and those close to homes can quickly become dangerous. Learn to look for these weak points to be better prepared for severe weather events.   Trees experience...

Cardoso named to board of the American Dairy Science Association
URBANA, Ill. — The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) has announced new board members to advance its mission to sustain and grow the global dairy industry. Appointed to a three-year term as production division director is ...

NCCOS forecasts smaller than average 'dead zone' for Gulf of Mexico in summer 2023
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science scientists are forecasting this summer’s Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone or “dead zone” — an area of low to no oxygen that can kill fish and other marine life — to be approximately 4,115 square miles, substantially below the 36-year average measured the...

Asking for help just got easier with no-cost mental health access for agricultural community
URBANA, Ill. — Farming is stressful, and the Illinois agriculture community faces unique challenges every day that take a toll on mental health. A new program from University of Illinois Extension gives farmers and their families access to professional mental health care for free. The...

Go green with eco-friendly lawn care
URBANA, Ill. — Residential lawns consume over 2.5 billion gallons of water a year. This makes taking a natural approach to lawn care appealing for homeowners. Also, almost 3 million tons of fertilizer are applied to residential lawns every year, and homeowners typically use three times more...

Creating healthier Illinoisans: SNAP-Ed generates up to $135 million in future benefits
URBANA, Ill. — Illinoisans receive between $5.36 and $9.54 in return for each dollar spent helping Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program participants make healthier choices through the state’s Eat.Move.Save. education programs. The benefits include healthcare cost savings, increased life...

Farm stressors affect mental health of adults and adolescent children
URBANA, Ill. — Agriculture is a stressful occupation, and farmers face substantial mental health challenges. Research indicates they often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, but less is known about the effects on their...

Purdue-led USDA project aims to double impact of climate-smart Corn Belt agriculture
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University is leading a $1.5 million partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Midwest Climate Hub to...

Brown takes on new role focused on water management
URBANA, Ill. — Not enough rainfall puts plants at risk during dry months; on the other hand, it can be frustrating when a swift rain floods a lawn or washes away landscaping. Research shows that rainfall will come harder and faster and dry periods will be longer with our changing climate, so...

Extension’s Abriendo Caminos program helps Hispanic families prevent childhood obesity
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension, in collaboration with other institutions and partners, has published a research article on the benefits of ...

Take a break from the summer heat: Enjoy Four Seasons Gardening series
URBANA, Ill. — Summer is a time of growth and exploration. While spring-planted flowers and vegetables are growing, take a break between waterings to learn something new from the vast world of gardening.  Explore the global impact of sunflowers, discover summer-blooming trees, and...

Illinois youth focus on outdoor fun in summer tournament
URBANA, Ill. — Youth from across Illinois headed into the great outdoors to participate in the statewide 4-H Hooks Us Together Virtual Fishing Bass Challenge in May. Youth enter pictures and measurements of their catches as many times as they wish. While competition is the focus,...

Illinois 4-H launches alumni campaign
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is calling all 4-H alumni to raise their hands if they are “4-H Grown.” More than 25 million Americans who share this unique bond as former 4-H members. As part of the “Are You Illinois 4-H Grown?” campaign which runs from June 1 to August 31, alumni who have...