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A person flying a drone above a herd of beef cattle standing in a pasture for grazing management.

Explore cutting-edge agricultural technology with I-FARM Learning Series

URBANA, Ill. — Identifying on-farm needs to increase efficiency, safety, practicality, and overall profitability is where ideas for adapting technology begin. From there, advancing technology for productivity and sustainability seems to be more within reach in a changing agricultural landscape.…

A pile of specialty decor pumpkins of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Explore commercial pumpkin production at Extension field day

URBANA, Ill. — As Illinois ranks number one in both pumpkin production and processing, it provides a great opportunity to bring together growers, producers, and those who love talking pumpkins.

University of Illinois Extension can help kick off the fall season with a Pumpkin Field Day on…

A robot traveling down a field's corn rows.

Field day provides diverse avenues to resiliency, sustainability in agriculture

URBANA, Ill. — As the agriculture industry has grown and evolved over the centuries, numerous environmental and societal factors have constantly challenged its resilience. Today is no different. To achieve sustainable agricultural operations, farmers must continue to adopt new technologies and…

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Local Government Education Webinars: Legislative Updates
Illinois Extension's Community and Economic Development team will host a webinar that highlights new or upcoming legislative changes with a focus on those elements which will directly impact local governments across Illinois....
farmers with tractor
Farm Life is Uncontrollable, Know the Warning Signs of Stress
DECATUR, Ill. – On a farm, most pressures are constant and uncontrollable. Machinery breaks, weather delays work and commodity prices fluctuate. The work is isolating and stressful, which puts farmers at risk for severe and ongoing anxiety. Suicide rates are higher for farmers than any other...
Conferences Set for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Feb. 4 & 5
Growers from across the region will gather for the 2020 Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School on Tuesday, February 4 in Hardin and the 2020 Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School on Wednesday, February 5 in Mt. Vernon. These programs, sponsored by University of Illinois...
Four Seasons Gardening Winter Webinar Series Underway
The Four Seasons Gardening Webinar Series is one of the most popular horticulture programs offered by the Illinois Extension Horticulture Team. Each season, the team hosts three live webinars participants can take from their own computers delivered via Zoom. The programs are free, but...
Free Extension Webinars for Small Farmers
DECATUR, Ill. — During winters, farmers may not be out in their fields, but that doesn’t mean they are taking a break. Starting in January, University of Illinois Extension is providing a weekly educational webinar series for the small farm community. This online series will provide small farm...
U of I launches fellowship to connect graduates with public service careers
Urbana, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension has announced an open application period for government offices to apply to for the newly created Illini Science Policy Fellowship. The program matches University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate students completing their degrees with Illinois...
2020 Illinois Crop Management Conference Dates Announced
URBANA, Ill.– What do you need to know for the 2020 growing season? The University of Illinois will address several key topics at four regional conferences around the state in January and February. The meetings will provide a forum for discussion and interaction between participants, University...
Illinois Extension Develops Industrial Hemp Resources
Illinois producers did you grow hemp in 2019? Are you interested in giving it a shot in 2020? With the end of the growing season here, there are many hemp growers who will be looking to find processors and end buyers for their product. As this is an emerging industry without a developed supply...
Extension to Host Industrial Hemp Workshops throughout Southern Illinois
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.- During the first week of February, University of Illinois Extension will host three separate workshops throughout southern Illinois to share information on industrial hemp production. The signing of the Illinois hemp bill has provided opportunities for the cultivation...
2020 All-America Selection Winners
URBANA, Ill. – After the polar vortex of last winter, many are wondering if those cold blustery temperatures will return this season to affect our plants in Illinois. According to winter predictions, and University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Bruce J. Black, this winter should be...
Christmas tree hitchhikers
URBANA, Ill. – If you have ever purchased or harvested a living or cut Christmas tree, you may have inadvertently brought in some overwintering pests. Luckily, any concerns about these pests are unwarranted. “Yes, it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become...
Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year
URBANA, Ill. – The Perennial Plant Association has announced the 2020 Perennial Plant of the Year®. Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ is a fabulous high-impact perennial that brings a bold pop of glowing color and texture to the shade or part shade garden. “Aralia ‘Sun King’ had been nominated...
Winter seed sowing
URBANA, Ill. – Winter-sowing is a cost-effective and low-maintenance way of starting plants for the garden. Creator of the winter-sowing method, Trudi Davidoff puts it in simple terms: starting plants outdoors, in winter.  “Winter-sowing works with nature to prepare seeds for growth...
Explore and assess your seeds this winter
URBANA, Ill. – While there may still be snow on the ground outside, it is never too early to start planning your garden for the spring. Begin by digging through your old seed packet stashes to find those still viable to plant. Seeds are considered viable when they are capable of...
Growing holly
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreens such as holly, with its bright green leaves and sparkling red berries, add excitement to an otherwise dull winter landscape. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn provides insights on growing the winter favorite.  ...

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