News releases

Know before you throw, new law expands free battery recycling options
URBANA, Ill. — After years of powering remotes, children’s toys, and other household devices, the final destination for used batteries is usually the junk drawer. Or worse, it is tossed in the trash can. Now,...

Illinois Extension Crop Management Conference equips agriculturalists for upcoming growing season
URBANA, Ill. — How individuals strategize their next farming season can differ from one farmer, landowner, producer, or industry professional to the next. University of Illinois Extension’s online-only Crop...

Genes from corn's wild ancestor change soil microbial community, improve sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — Corn bred with genes from wild relatives can reshape soil microbial communities and reduce nitrogen loss — with no yield reduction — according to new research from the University...

New Focus on the Future meetings to help Illinois agriculture community build, sustain farm legacy
URBANA, Ill. — Every farm has an individual story to tell, and it is up to the generations of farmers living it to tell the tale. In 2026, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Brittney Muschetto DePatis
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight features...

Illinois Extension is growing cover crop conversations by connecting farmers to farmers
URBANA, Ill. — What better way to learn about cover crops than from someone already growing them? University of Illinois Extension is offering farmers, producers, landowners, and industry professionals a chance to log on for a free virtual panel on...

Wily and Wild Animal Invaders webinar explores environmental impact of invasive wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — Across the U.S., including Illinois, many non-native wildlife species have found their way into new environments, where they can pose a threat to natural ecosystems and the economy. This spring,...

Embrace nature’s snowy season with Illinois Extension Four Seasons winter webinars
URBANA, Ill. — With a bit of creativity and planning, winter activities can still include nature. Stay indoors and out of the cold with new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s...

Bid on trusted genetics to strengthen cattle herds at annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale
URBANA, Ill. — Enhancing cattle herds with trusted genetics can strengthen beef operations. Get started by attending the annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 at...

Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
URBANA, Ill. — Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can now differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions of riverine nitrogen pollution in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The advancement, published in...

Illinois 4-H youth among nation’s top teen leaders at National 4-H Congress
ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational...

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

Champaign-Urbana Named Dementia Friendly Community
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – On December 5, Champaign-Urbana was officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly community. The Dementia Friendly Community recognition comes from Dementia Friendly America®. Dementia Friendly America is a national collaborative group whose mission is to encourage communities...

Small builds, big stories: Illinois 4-H youth showcase creativity in December Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Tiny spaces sparked big creativity for Illinois 4-H youth during the December Creating with Building Bricks Challenge, where participants were tasked with designing detailed mini scenes for the theme “Habitats.” Youth created small diorama-style builds for a minifigure, roughly 2....

Families build winter wonderlands together in Illinois 4-H Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H families came together over winter break to create imaginative, story-filled scenes for the Illinois 4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Challenge, the final event in this year’s Building Brick Challenge Series. The special challenge invited families to work...

Illinois 4-H team earns strong finish at national poultry and egg conference
URBANA, Ill. — An Illinois 4-H team earned top honors while competing in the Poultry Judging Contest at the 2025 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. The four-member team placed 11th overall among 24 states competing in the contest....

Strengthen livestock facility management through 2026 Certified Livestock Manager Training
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock operations are strengthened by having certified individuals on staff. Certification helps minimize environmental impacts through increased awareness of regulations and proper manure nutrient management. Anyone responsible for managing a facility can benefit from...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Nicole Alvarado
MORRIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight follows...

Extension Unwrapped: Top local stories in 2025
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — As 2025 winds down, University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties is taking a look back at the stories that shaped the year. From community programs that made a difference to heartwarming stories of impact, these highlights reflect the Extension...