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Independent Grocer Summit helps local businesses maximize profitability

CARTERVILLE, Ill. — With the rise of big-box stores and rising operational costs, small-town businesses are becoming scarcer. Yet independent grocers play a vital role in local economies, especially within rural communities or food deserts. 

The second annual Independent Grocer Summit…
Recycle pumpkin season with a smash at Illinois Extension composting events

URBANA, Ill. — Like the changing of the leaves, fall can seem fleeting. Enjoy seasonal vibes — until the porch pumpkins start to decay. When that happens, where do the pumpkins go?

“Many do not realize that a thrown-away pumpkin does not break down and disappear on its own without leaving…
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for the 2026-27 hunting season

URBANA, Ill. – A popular program returns for its fifth season to help feed neighbors in need. Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to bring lean protein to local residents and families, providing a unique pathway to address and improve food insecurity.…
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A sign welcoming guests to independent grocer summit.
Independent Grocer Summit helps local businesses maximize profitability
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — With the rise of big-box stores and rising operational costs, small-town businesses are becoming scarcer. Yet independent grocers play a vital role in local economies, especially within rural communities or food deserts. The second annual Independent Grocer Summit...
A person smashing a pumpkin in an open dumpster used for recycling and composting.
Recycle pumpkin season with a smash at Illinois Extension composting events
URBANA, Ill. — Like the changing of the leaves, fall can seem fleeting. Enjoy seasonal vibes — until the porch pumpkins start to decay. When that happens, where do the pumpkins go?“Many do not realize that a thrown-away pumpkin does not break down and disappear on its own without leaving...
A buck standing in a field
Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for the 2026-27 hunting season
URBANA, Ill. – A popular program returns for its fifth season to help feed neighbors in need. Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to bring lean protein to local residents and families, providing a unique pathway to address and improve food insecurity....
2 adults talking
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,...
A group of participants walking in a pumpkin field.
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...
A brown bat in a knot hole in a tree
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...
black cows grazing in a field
Learn the latest research during Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. — Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag...
9 youth standing behind a banner for "Illinois 4-H Superior Young Producer Contest"
2026 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest winners announced
The 2026 Illinois 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest was held on Aug. 12 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. A record number of 35 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. Members tackle a three-phase competition including livestock...

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