News releases

Grassy weeds becoming more common in lawns
URBANA, Ill. — When confronted with lawn weeds, typically we think of dandelion, creeping Charlie, and violet. These plants and many others are classified as broadleaved weeds, or dicots, and are easily distinguished from grasses which are monocots. Scientists have engineered herbicides that...

Record number of youth compete for superior young livestock producer honor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A record number of 4-H members from across Illinois competed for scholarships in the 2022 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest held on Aug.10 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Fifty-two competitors vied for this year's top honors. This...

New U of I farm apprenticeship turns out veggies and well-equipped farmers
URBANA, Ill. – A new University of Illinois program will train beginner specialty crop growers in every aspect of farm operation and management. The year-long Illinois Small Farm Apprenticeship Program offers new farmers opportunities to learn by doing and to deepen that experiential knowledge...

Community gardens fight food insecurity close to home
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soils in the world. No one should go hungry here. Every year, Illinois Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers around the state fight food insecurity with fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden. By working with local...

Native prairie grasses create distinct, breezy aesthetic in home landscape
URBANA, Ill. — Nothing beats the light and airy look of tall, distinctive grasses in a landscape arrangement. The fluffy seedheads and slender, attractive stems practically dance in the wind on breezy days, adding texture as well as a structural element to any landscape bed.   ...

New video series highlights five revitalized Great Lakes Areas of Concern
Many Great Lakes communities that have carried the burden of legacy pollution for decades have an opportunity for a new lease on life when local waterways are finally cleaned up. A new video series ...

Make informed decisions for your beef herd
BAYLIS, Ill., – Producers weigh management options to build profitable cattle herds. Researchers at this year's Orr Beef Research Center Field Day will review several management practices to consider. The field at begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Ag Sciences Complex and Fred...

West Central Illinois invests in future of farming with new agricultural center
BAYLIS, Ill. — The world’s agricultural needs are changing, and West Central Illinois is meeting the challenge with a new agricultural education center that invests in the future of farming. John Wood...

Fall gardening is your time to plan for beautiful spring
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production take year-round effort. University of Illinois Extension provides timely tips in its fall edition of the popular Four Seasons Gardening horticulture workshops.  Each...

New translation specialist improves Extension’s outreach to multilingual communities
URBANA, Ill. – For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension has translated on-campus research into practical tools and information to help communities across the state solve problems. Now, that power of translation will give multilingual communities in Illinois full access to...

Especialista en gestión de proyectos de traducción aumenta el alcance de la Oficina de Extensión a las comunidades multilingües
URBANA, Ill. – Por más de 100 años, la Oficina de Extensión de la Universidad de Illinois ha convertido las investigaciones del campus en métodos prácticos e información para ayudar a las comunidades en Illinois a resolver los problemas. Ahora, el poder de la traducción ofrecerá a las...

Taking time to select plants for difficult growing conditions helps long-term success
URBANA, Ill – Difficult growing conditions leave gardeners stumped when selecting plants. These planting areas may include alkaline soils, dry shade, over a septic tank, a large local deer population, and more. Always consider the existing site conditions when selecting new plants for...

Kemp selected to lead Extension outreach in northeast Illinois
URBANA, Ill. – A 16-year veteran of Illinois Extension was selected to lead the organization's educational programming in the state's northeastern counties. Durriyyah Kemp began her duties as assistant director on Aug. 1. Extension has a local presence in every Illinois county,...

Gardening advice now available 'in the air'
URBANA, Ill. – Gardening in the Air filled a void during the early pandemic days. With the increase of home gardening, the Extension programs of Illinois and Iowa transitioned in-person workshops into online opportunities and introduced gardening to a new generation. To reflect the online nature...

More than 80 pumpkin varieties to be featured at Field Day
URBANA, Ill. – Commercial pumpkin growers can enhance production practices at the upcoming University of Illinois Extension Pumpkin Field Day. The event begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 1 at Eckert’s Orchard near Belleville. Register by Aug. 29...

Find financial freedom, reach your money goals with guidance from Extension experts
 URBANA, Ill. - During the COVID-19 pandemic, budgets were stretched tight, and every dollar counted. That's why Illinois Extension consumer economic educators make financial discussions easy to understand so you can explore your options and make informed decisions. Around the...

Over 80 Will County Youth Showcased Excellence at 4-H Show in Joliet
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Develop a disaster plan: Be prepared when disaster strikes
  URBANA, Ill. – Floods, fire, tornadoes, and storms can put lives at risk, damage property, and shut down power. Building a household emergency plan is an important step to help individuals and families safely cope during emergencies, but knowing where to start can be...

Extension finds common ground, connects public with agriculture
URBANA, Ill. - Whether large commercial agriculture operations, small farms, or community and backyard gardens, the future of our food supply relies on the use of practices that boost production and capacity. Illinois growers at all levels benefit from effective, efficient, and sustainable...

New biosecurity resource helps producers protect pigs
URBANA, Ill. –The estimated economic impact over 10 years is $50 billion if African swine fever finds its way into the United States, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. And...