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Learn what research says about everyday health challenges

URBANA, Ill. — With health information available at the click of a button, finding trustworthy, evidence-based resources can be challenging. As misinformation continues to spread across digital platforms, access to accurate health guidance is increasingly important. In response, educators,…
Local growers get fresh research and production strategies at Pumpkin Field Day

BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Attendees from across the Midwest braved the triple-digit temperatures to attend Pumpkin Field Day. The biannual event welcomed growers, educators, and industry partners for a hands-on pumpkin field day that highlighted the latest research, production strategies, and on‑farm…
Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees

All over the world, from Oregon’s old-growth forests to Queensland’s eucalyptus groves, creatures depend on trees for shelter. A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that as the climate destabilizes, the world’s trees may become an even more…
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Grow your green thumb this spring with free online gardening classes
URBANA, Ill. – Brush off the trowel and get ready for spring with University of Illinois Extension’s Four Seasons Gardening series starting in March. Four Seasons Gardening is one of Illinois Extension’s most popular gardening series that has been offered since 2014. Each...
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...
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...
hemp field
Hemp research a win-win for new Midwestern crop
URBANA, Ill. – Industrial hemp is one of the fasting growing crops across Midwestern fields and researchers are recruiting producers in the race to learn more.  University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educators are working with growers to source field...
Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales. Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...

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