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An ACES alum with a hunger to serve

March 4, 2026

URBANA, Ill. — When Steve Ericson walked into the Illinois State Fair as a young exhibitor in 1974, he couldn’t have imagined that one day he’d return, not to show livestock, but to help connect Illinois-grown food to families in need. Now, as Executive Director of Feeding Illinois, Ericson…

Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries

March 4, 2026

URBANA, Ill. — Fried foods are popular with consumers, but their high fat content can contribute to health challenges like obesity and hypertension. If the food industry can offer lower-fat options of similar quality, people can more easily make health-conscious food choices.

Researchers…

See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana

March 2, 2026

URBANA, Ill. — What began as an idea from agricultural industry groups to help ensure safety in the workplace has now become a nationwide movement. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place March 30 through April 6, and the 2026 Illinois kickoff event is on-site and livestreamed from the…

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February 3, 2026

Genes from corn's wild ancestor change soil microbial community, improve sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — Corn bred with genes from wild relatives can reshape soil microbial communities and reduce nitrogen loss — with no yield reduction — according to new research from the University...

A person kneels down to check soybean plant progress in a field

February 2, 2026

New Focus on the Future meetings to help Illinois agriculture community build, sustain farm legacy
URBANA, Ill. — Every farm has an individual story to tell, and it is up to the generations of farmers living it to tell the tale. In 2026, University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Farm Bureau are...

Looking at ground level between crop rows with corn growing through cover crop residue

January 30, 2026

Illinois Extension is growing cover crop conversations by connecting farmers to farmers
URBANA, Ill. — What better way to learn about cover crops than from someone already growing them? University of Illinois Extension is offering farmers, producers, landowners, and industry professionals a chance to log on for a free virtual panel on...

January 29, 2026

Wily and Wild Animal Invaders webinar explores environmental impact of invasive wildlife
URBANA, Ill. — Across the U.S., including Illinois, many non-native wildlife species have found their way into new environments, where they can pose a threat to natural ecosystems and the economy. This spring,...

A heart shaped design made from willow branches hanging outdoors as decor

January 29, 2026

Embrace nature’s snowy season with Illinois Extension Four Seasons winter webinars
URBANA, Ill. — With a bit of creativity and planning, winter activities can still include nature. Stay indoors and out of the cold with new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s...

A black angus bull side view pose outdoors for sale catalog listing style

January 28, 2026

Bid on trusted genetics to strengthen cattle herds at annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale
URBANA, Ill. — Enhancing cattle herds with trusted genetics can strengthen beef operations. Get started by attending the annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at 11 a.m. on Feb. 19 at...

January 26, 2026

Sol Systems funding fuels new Illinois Extension opportunities in Saline County
HARRISBURG, Ill. – Community partnerships are fundamental to the mission of Extension. Collaboration with community organizations, schools, and local businesses enables staff to broaden their impact and create more opportunities for local residents. A new partnership has formed...

A tree trunk looking up at green canopy and the text "tri-state forest stewardship"

January 26, 2026

Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...

January 16, 2026

Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
URBANA, Ill. — Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign can now differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions of riverine nitrogen pollution in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. The advancement, published in...

Person slicing vegetables on a cutting board in a professional kitchen.

January 14, 2026

Illinois Extension offers Certified Food Protection Management Training to youth and adults
CHAMPAIGN, Ill — Level up your kitchen safety skills with a certified food safety training course from University of Illinois Extension. The University of Illinois Extension will offer the Certified Food Protection Manager Course at the Champaign County Farm Bureau auditorium (801 N Country Fair...

Members of Extension Academy and ACES/Extension leadership

January 14, 2026

Illinois Extension Academy cohort poised to cultivate collaboration and impact
URBANA, Ill. — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen any project, especially when they help deliver the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s latest research and best practices to communities across Illinois and beyond.With the start of the...

January 13, 2026

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

January 9, 2026

Champaign-Urbana Named Dementia Friendly Community
CHAMPAIGN, Ill – On December 5, Champaign-Urbana was officially recognized as a Dementia Friendly community. The Dementia Friendly Community recognition comes from Dementia Friendly America®. Dementia Friendly America is a national collaborative group whose mission is to encourage communities...

January 9, 2026

Learn about the latest research at Dudley Smith Farm
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Stay informed on current agriculture practices and the latest research taking place at Dudley Smith Farm during the annual Winter Meeting. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County Office located at 1120 N....

Looking at the front of a blue barn with dairy cows inside at a livestock facility

January 6, 2026

Strengthen livestock facility management through 2026 Certified Livestock Manager Training
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock operations are strengthened by having certified individuals on staff. Certification helps minimize environmental impacts through increased awareness of regulations and proper manure nutrient management. Anyone responsible for managing a facility can benefit from...

gloved hand picks up a plastic bottle on a beach

December 10, 2025

The global plastic waste trade contributes to coastal litter in importing countries, study shows
URBANA, Ill. — The ubiquitous plastic beverage bottle makes up about half of plastic waste collected for recycling in the U.S. Most recycled plastic is processed domestically, but a portion is traded overseas. A ...

View looking from the ground up into a large tree filled with lush, green leaves

December 9, 2025

Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...

A group of people in front of a sign that says 50 years Illinois Extension Master Gardener

December 9, 2025

Extension advances mission of lifelong learning at annual conference
URBANA, Ill. — Across the state, University of Illinois Extension staff link their communities with resources they need to thrive by turning science into solutions. Demonstrating Extension’s mission of life-...

December 9, 2025

Spring into Gardening Conference prepares gardeners for growing season
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike are invited to the sixteenth-annual Spring Into Gardening Conference. This year's program is Saturday, March 14, in Charleston. Enjoy a day filled with gardening advice, creative ideas, and hands-on guidance. Expert-led...

A large green circle with the words Gateway Green Conference in the center.

December 8, 2025

Conference strengthens communities against emerging environmental challenges
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Natural resource professionals play a key role in protecting our communities’ environmental assets. With ongoing research and changing conditions, it’s increasingly important to adopt responsible stewardship, manage new diseases and pests, and apply sustainable practices...

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An ACES alum with a hunger to serve

Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries

See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana

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