News releases

New crop scouting competition tests student field skills
URBANA, Ill. – In a corn or soybean field, knowing how crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The first-ever Illinois Crop Scouting Competition is a one-day on-campus contest in August that tests...

Youth make their mark in the livestock industry
URBANA, Ill.— Illinois teens gained hands-on experience in the livestock field in this year’s Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference in April.  Youth were able to practice real-world skills in one of...

Garden smarter, not harder: Free online Four Seasons Gardening series open
URBANA, Ill. – The growing season is in full swing and University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening summer series starting in June is here to help home gardeners be successful. Four Seasons Gardening is one of Illinois...

Community initiatives combat outmigration of young talent in rural areas
URBANA, Ill. ­­– In 2018, 86 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline, and almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent. “Outmigration of young adults impacts so many areas of the community, including school...

Midwestern farmers, ranchers can find tools to thrive with new resource center
URBANA, Ill. – Farm life can be stressful. Most pressures, such as weather, illness, injuries, loans, and regulations, are constant and uncontrollable. Now, Midwestern farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers have direct access to a new tool to help manage stress, anxiety, depression, or...

Deployments bring changes, challenges, opportunities
URBANA, Ill. – Military families still experience deployments, though not by the massive numbers they experienced between 2009-2013. Many of these families deal with the effects of injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. ...

New dairy cattle nutrition, management may improve production, profit
ST CLOUD, Minn. — The dairy industry fuels the U.S. economy, supporting nearly 3 million jobs directly and another 2 million jobs in related industries, according to the U.S. Dairy Export...

Save baby wildlife by stepping back; rescues rarely needed
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As boomer populations retire, communities can foster age-friendly opportunities
URBANA, Ill. ­­– By 2030, AARP estimates one in five people will be 65 or older, with that number growing to 77 million by 2034. Local government and community leaders hoping to attract this large population can...

Heirloom flowers provide fragrance, beauty, pollinator support 
URBANA, Ill. Spring brings thoughts of beautiful, colorful, fragrant blooms that brighten landscapes after a long winter.  But while many anticipate the arrival of the first flowers, pollinators, too, are on the lookout. Heirloom flowers provide them...

Opportunity Zones bring tax breaks to investors, develop underserved communities
URBANA, Ill. – Economically-distressed census tracts, designated as Opportunity Zones under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, provide an incentivized avenue for taxpayers to contribute to long-term economic growth in underserved areas. The state of Illinois designated 327 tracts, the...

What’s in a name? Non-native species not the same as invasives
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Researchers call on backyard scientists to help save pollinators
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Keep yourself, loved ones safe from invisible electrical dangers
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Every year, 1,000 people die, and 30,000 people are injured in electrical accidents. While electricity typically transmits without incident, there are times when the electrical path becomes disrupted. When this happens, the current can flow through anything or anyone in its...

Planning, designing a native garden
URBANA, Ill. – Those who love gardening, wildflowers, or who are tired of mowing expansive lawns should consider creating a native plant garden. Gemini Bhalsod, a horticulture educator with...

From hunt to plate, make a tasty dish of your wild game
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois hunters support the health of ecosystems, conservation efforts, and local economies. Successful hunts also provide lean, local protein for families and communities. University of Illinois Extension...

Youth leaders ready to meet ag challenges today and tomorrow
URBANA, Ill. -- High school students developed the skills and knowledge needed to face challenges in agriculture both as teen leaders today and as future careers tomorrow at the recent National 4‑H Youth Summit on Agri-Science....

Tips for starting your spring garden off strong
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Youth come together to make their mark in the livestock industry
URBANA, Ill.— Illinois teens will gather to gain hands-on experience in the livestock field in this year’s Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference on April 24 and 25.  The theme of this year’s conference is “Making Your Mark,” highlighting the roles and skills that youth can take in...

Illinois youth learn skills to become healthy living changemakers
URBANA, Ill. – The past year has presented many challenges to people's physical, emotional, and mental health. Risk factors such as poverty, neglect, and violence can make the challenges more intense, and social isolation and uncertainty from COVID-19 may continue to negatively impact community...