News releases

Youth can strengthen crop scouting skills at statewide Illinois Extension competition
URBANA, Ill. — There is no better way to check in on a crop field than to take a walk down a row. Youth looking to strengthen their agronomy skills or share what they already know can do so while competing with a team at the Youth Crop Scouting...

Teens step up to lead: Illinois 4-H ready to expand Teen Teachers Program to prepare youth for the future
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is expanding its nationally recognized Teen Teachers program through a competitive grant opportunity from National 4-H Council and Lilly Endowment Inc., positioning young people across the state to be beyond ready for college, careers and community leadership....

Illinois Extension Launches Hygiene Drive with Local Hygiene Pantry
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – University of Illinois Extension is proud to host a hygiene product donation drive in support of the CLU-W Hygiene Pantry of Champaign County. The Hygiene Drive runs from April 1 to April 30. Community members are invited to donate various acceptable hygiene products.  ...

Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...

After the storm: Illinois Extension shares resources for storm recovery, rebuilding, disaster preparedness
URBANA, Ill. — After strong storms swept across much of Illinois, many communities are facing damaged property and stressful situations. The hours and days following a major storm are often filled with urgent questions. Residents can navigate those decisions using research-based resources from...

Illinois 4-H expands workforce pathways with foodservice credential program for teens
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is preparing teens to be beyond ready for careers through a new initiative that connects youth with industry-recognized foodservice credentials and hands-on workforce experience.The Beyond Ready Foodservice Industry Credential Program will help...

Illinois 4-H youth showcase skill and precision at state meat judging contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their knowledge of meat science and evaluation at the 2026 Illinois 4-H State Meat Judging Contest held March 6 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Meat Science Laboratory in Urbana. A total of 56 4-H members...

Local ag leaders and 4-H youth gather to talk about the quality care of animals
YORKVILLE, Ill. — From farms to the marketplace, the future of agriculture depends on raising animals responsibly and ethically. On Saturday, local 4-H members from Grundy and Kendall counties gathered at the Kendall County Fairgrounds to learn from industry leaders about practical insights on...

Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Morgan Roberts
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 Morgan Roberts,...

An ACES alum with a hunger to serve
URBANA, Ill. — When Steve Ericson walked into the Illinois State Fair as a young exhibitor in 1974, he couldn’t have imagined that one day he’d return, not to show livestock, but to help connect Illinois-grown food to families in need. Now, as Executive Director of...

Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries
URBANA, Ill. — Fried foods are popular with consumers, but their high fat content can contribute to health challenges like obesity and hypertension. If the food industry can offer lower-fat options of similar quality, people can more easily make health-conscious food choices.Researchers...

Illinois Extension 4-H Member Spotlight: Clara Chappell
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Illinois 4-H, the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, empowers young people to dream about better tomorrows and gives them the tools to explore their future. Each month, Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties highlights...

See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana
URBANA, Ill. — What began as an idea from agricultural industry groups to help ensure safety in the workplace has now become a nationwide movement. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place March 30 through April 6, and the 2026 Illinois kickoff...

2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale returns record-high results
URBANA, Ill. — Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held on Feb. 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $7,284 on 37 lots, setting an all-time record high average for the sale."The...

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign receives 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national distinction that recognizes higher education institutions demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to community engagement. Illinois previously received...

ACES marks 150 years of the Morrow Plots, our nation's oldest research field
URBANA, Ill. — A lot has changed on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus since its founding in 1867, but a storied plot of land near the south quad has been preserved nearly intact for a century and a half....

Illinois Extension supports rural communities with a business transition plans series
URBANA, Ill. — Across the United States, many small-business owners are approaching retirement without a clear plan for what comes next. Although these entrepreneurs have spent decades building companies that support local jobs and services, many are unaware of succession options beyond...

Root for your favorite native plant to help crown 2026 Rain Garden Rumble champion
URBANA, Ill. — Let the garden games begin with the return of the annual Rain Garden Rumble, where nature and gardening enthusiasts get to pick the champion in this native-plant-playoff. This botanical bout —...

Support food access for Illinoisians with ACES’ Orange & Blue Days
URBANA, Ill. — This spring, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will participate in a campuswide crowdfunding initiative known as...