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University of Illinois Extension County Director Elected to National Epsilon Sigma Phi Board of Directors

ALBION, Ill. — Tara Buerster, county director for University of Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties, has been elected to the National Epsilon Sigma Phi board of directors as the north central region vice president.

In this national leadership…
Illinois 4-H shotgun team competes at record-setting National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The 2026 National 4‑H Shooting Sports Championships, held June 21–26 in Grand Island, Nebraska, marked the largest event in its 26‑year history, bringing together 767 4‑H members from 42 states for one of the program’s premier national competitions.

Illinois was…
Defining the modern ‘land-grant mission’ at ACES

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign often cites its land-grant legacy, but the land-grant university system is not a well-known concept outside of higher education. In fact, many current students,…
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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...
Stay safe on the farm this planting season
URBANA, Ill. – Spring is characterized by a fury of activity on farms. In the rush to get crops in the ground, farmers may not have safety and health as a priority.  Learn how to prevent common farm injuries and illness during this critical time at a free online webinar by...
Dream big with expert updates for northern fruit, vegetable farmers
URBANA, Ill. – When upstate fruit and vegetable growers are looking to diversify their small farm or adopt new practices, they rely on the experts at University of Illinois Extension. Every February, Extension educators meet with Wisconsin and Illinois commercial vegetable and fruit...
Explore financial incentives for environmentally-friendly farm practices
DEKALB, Ill. – The adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, pasture management, and agroforestry can sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gases. Farmers utilizing these practices have multiple, new, opportunities to be financially rewarded for carbon and other...
2021 is the year of the gardener; get ready with Home, Lawn, Garden Day
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Whether it’s inspiration for future backyard projects or meeting a new must-have plant, for 19 years the Home, Lawn, and Garden Day has given Central Illinois gardeners the tools they need to grow.   This annual gardening conference will be 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.,...
Southern Illinois growers rely on Extension's sound production advice
URBANA, Ill. – When downstate peach growers need a new cold-hardy variety, or when pumpkin fields are threatened by pests, growers rely on the experts at University of Illinois Extension. Extension educators have hosted in-person specialty crop schools in Southern Illinois for...
Live happy, healthier, wealthier lives; Extension can help
URBANA, Ill. – We're never too young or too old to learn valuable lessons that keep us fit, healthy, happy, and financially sound. In a tradition which has lasted decades and adapted with the changing world environment, Lessons for Living are monthly workshops which provide easy-to-understand...
4-H helps feed hungry families in their communities
URBANA, Ill. – Families across Illinois have more food on their table, and youth are leading the way.  4-H is investing in the next generation of food access leaders with a first round of Food Advocacy Grants aimed at helping youth become food advocates right in their own communities....

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