News releases

Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...

Illinois youth reel in early wins in statewide 4-H fishing tournament
Champaign, Ill.– The Illinois 4-H Hooks Us Together Statewide Fishing Tournament is off to a strong start and continues through July 31, 2025. Youth from across the state are casting their lines and competing in this fun, summer-long challenge that celebrates outdoor...

Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...

Add two new Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer plans
URBANA, Ill. — Take a break from summer garden care and watering for a conversation about native bees and crop rotation. Two new sessions from the Four Seasons Gardening series will have attendees exploring more about native bees and ways to...

Bee truck crashes pose steep economic losses for beekeepers, says Illinois expert
URBANA, Ill. — When a semi-truck carrying hundreds of honey bee colonies crashed and overturned in Washington state last week, it wasn’t just a roadside mess — it was a potentially devastating economic blow to the...

Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways....

Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499...

Government Day brings together students and community leaders
Morris, Ill – Students from across Grundy County came together last week to participate in Government Day, a program put on annually by University of Illinois Extension which teaches civic engagement and community leadership.“Civic engagement...

Could nanoplastics in the environment turn E. coli into a bigger villain?
URBANA, Ill. — Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they’re in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don’t know the full extent of their impacts on our health, but...

Stay informed on the latest agricultural research at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
PANA, Ill. — For farmers, producers, and consumers, it is important to stay informed on current and upcoming agricultural practices. The ag industry is fast-paced and filled with technology pushing efficiency forward. Without these advancements, farmers could not continue to feed the growing...

University of Illinois Agronomy Days series returns to ACES
URBANA, Ill. — Summer is back, which means the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will return with its Agronomy Days series, where Illinois growers can learn more about the latest productivity,...

State horse bowl builds knowledge, lifelong friendships
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...

Youth exhibit skills, gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 11-...

Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...

Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. ­– Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...

Local Impact: When the buzz comes knocking, Extension is ready with answers
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — As the Cooperative Extension service across America is poised to celebrate a birthday on May 8th – a day which marks the 111 anniversary of the passing of the Smith-Lever act which established the Extension network – Illinois...

Local Impact: 4-H4All brings the 4-H experience to all
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — As the Cooperative Extension service across America is poised to celebrate a birthday on May 8th – a day which marks the 111 anniversary of the passing of the Smith-Lever act which established the Extension network – Illinois...

Local Impact: SNAP-Ed programs bring food access and education
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — As the Cooperative Extension service across America is poised to celebrate a birthday on May 8th – a day which marks the 111 anniversary of the passing of the Smith-Lever act which established the Extension network – Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties...

Illinois research shows benefits of prairie grass for sustainable aviation fuel
Switchgrass has gripped Midwestern soils for millions of years, but soon, the earthbound prairie grass could fly. New studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign identify economic and environmental considerations that make switchgrass a candidate...

Meat from Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions donated to Feeding Illinois food banks through new ACES, IDOA partnership
URBANA, Ill. — The...