News Releases

New program addresses issues of health access, understanding for Illinois residents
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – As families around the world lived through the rise and spread of COVID-19, countless Illinois communities faced a frightening reality: they were not equipped to mount the complex public health response the situation required. Many community leaders, medical centers, and...

Healthy forests start with single tree, hands-on landowners
URBANA, Ill. – The forests of Illinois are diverse, whether it’s a backyard with a few tall trees kids play under, an acre for firewood that is also home to deer and other wildlife, or a timber stand that will eventually be harvested and sold. Just in time for spring, the Illinois...

Illinois youth come to the table on food insecurity
URBANA, Ill.— Local solutions to food access, food security, and food justice in Illinois will be developed by youth leaders and industry experts Illinois 4-H Food Action Summit.  The virtual conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 15.  University of Illinois...

Illinois 4-H staff evaluate options for summer 2021 exhibitions
URBNA, Ill. – In 2020, more than 400 Illinois 4-H competitive events, exhibitions, and shows went virtual, providing a positive youth development experience while protecting our members, volunteers, and staff. While the 2021 4-H...

Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale has near-record year; averages $4,396
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Coles County gets $106,000 grant for Embarras River project
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District will receive over $106,000 in grant funding to update portions of the 2011 Embarras River Watershed Management Plan. The grants, provided by the Illinois Environmental...

Extension offices fill connectivity gaps
URBANA, Ill. –The COVID-19 pandemic accentuated what was already known about digital connectivity: millions of American don’t have access to high-speed internet; many of those are in rural communities. Children attending daily virtual learning, coupled with adults working from home and...

$10,000 prize awaits top ag innovator
URBANA, Ill – Innovation is the heart of Illinois agriculture. A $10,000 Glen Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism award will be given to one winner who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices.  Glen "GB" Brandt, along with...

Birds, bees need growers' help to keep pollinating
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Keep houseplants happy with simple solutions
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Cold Weather, Frozen Pipes? Extension Gives You All You Need to Know
With the extreme cold weather gripping Northern Illinois, what do you do if your pipes freeze? And better how do you prevent them from freezing. Get the best information here from University of Illinois Extension's Disaster Relief Resources Water Pipes Frozen water pipes aren't...

Protect plants from winter salt damage
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Conference connects the dots between cover crops, soil health, people
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Turfgrass, ornamentals pesticide applicator certification open online
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois pesticide applicators needing to complete the turfgrass and ornamentals category certifications can now access the online training courses to prepare for the exams. University of Illinois Extension is offering...

When you want total performance, Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale is your genetics headquarters
URBANA, Ill. – Commercial cow-calf producers and seedstock breeders interested in purchasing a total performance tested bull may choose from 41 bulls offered in the 2021 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale. The sale incudes 11 2019...

Take a stand against heart disease with Illinois Extension
  Heart disease is a general term referring to several types of heart conditions. The most common form of heart disease in the United States is ...

Dream big with expert updates for northern fruit, vegetable farmers
URBANA, Ill. – When upstate fruit and vegetable growers are looking to diversify their small farm or adopt new practices, they rely on the experts at University of Illinois Extension. Every February, Extension educators meet with Wisconsin and Illinois commercial vegetable and fruit...

Blooming plant ideas to gift this Valentine’s Day ​​​​​​​
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Getting to know Illinois' largest hibernator this Groundhog Day
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Explore financial incentives for environmentally-friendly farm practices
DEKALB, Ill. – The adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, pasture management, and agroforestry can sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gases. Farmers utilizing these practices have multiple, new, opportunities to be financially rewarded for carbon and other...