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How 4-H shaped a lifetime of service for Bea Bagby

URBANA, Ill. — For Beatrice H. Bagby, known to most as Bea, 4-H wasn’t just a club. It was a lifeline. A spark. A community. And ultimately, a calling.

Bea found Illinois 4-H in the wake of unimaginable grief. In May 1946, her mother passed away. Bea was just 12 years old.

“The…

Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan

URBANA — When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when disaster strikes and a herd of cattle are grazing pasture?

Dr. Yvette…

Learn how to manage invasive species online and in the field with statewide hybrid course

URBANA, Ill. — From your backyard to the local forest, invasive species have big environmental and economic impacts. Learn how to manage invasive plants in Introduction to Invasive Species Management, a two-day hybrid program led by University of Illinois Extension educators that starts with a…

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man in field with smart phone
Soil forecasting project seeks survey input for app development
URBANA, Ill. – For farmers and agribusiness leaders, accessing reliable and timely soil condition data can drive important soil management decisions that affect both short- and long-term production success.   A research collaboration between University of Illinois and...
dog
Youth dog show competition sees record high entries
DIXON, Ill. – Youth from across the state competed for top honors at the State 4-H Dog Show held at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Center in Dixon on Aug. 27. A record 204 youth competed in this year’s competition. “I attribute the large turnout...
plane spraying herbicide
Aerial applications going full speed ahead this season
URBANA, Ill. – This year, nearly all of Illinois has experienced hot and humid conditions that can lead to fungal pathogens and insect pests in crops. Farmers can use ground equipment to apply fungicides or insecticides, but the machinery is slow and can injure crops. So, to protect their...
watering can with flowers in top
Keep garden, plants hydrated going into fall
URBANA, Ill. — This summer has brought drought to many parts of Illinois. Most gardeners are aware that plants need water to thrive, but it can be helpful to review the ins and outs of garden hydration to ensure the best results.  “Many environmental conditions factor into...
German Cutz
Cook County grows horticulture team with new bilingual educator
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you’re growing backyard fruits and vegetables, tending a few well-loved houseplants, or responsible for landscaping, gardening is a challenge. The University of Illinois Extension team of horticulture experts connects...
nimbleweed
Grassy weeds becoming more common in lawns
URBANA, Ill. — When confronted with lawn weeds, typically we think of dandelion, creeping Charlie, and violet. These plants and many others are classified as broadleaved weeds, or dicots, and are easily distinguished from grasses which are monocots. Scientists have engineered herbicides that...
livestock winners
Record number of youth compete for superior young livestock producer honor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A record number of 4-H members from across Illinois competed for scholarships in the 2022 4-H Illinois Superior Young Livestock Producers Contest held on Aug.10 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. Fifty-two competitors vied for this year's top honors. This...
picking tomatoes in high tunnel
New U of I farm apprenticeship turns out veggies and well-equipped farmers
URBANA, Ill. – A new University of Illinois program will train beginner specialty crop growers in every aspect of farm operation and management. The year-long Illinois Small Farm Apprenticeship Program offers new farmers opportunities to learn by doing and to deepen that experiential knowledge...
tomato plants
Community gardens fight food insecurity close to home
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois is home to some of the most fertile soils in the world. No one should go hungry here. Every year, Illinois Extension staff and Master Gardener volunteers around the state fight food insecurity with fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden. By working with local...
Little bluestem is a native prairie grass with beauty in all four seasons, including excellent fall color.
Native prairie grasses create distinct, breezy aesthetic in home landscape
URBANA, Ill. — Nothing beats the light and airy look of tall, distinctive grasses in a landscape arrangement. The fluffy seedheads and slender, attractive stems practically dance in the wind on breezy days, adding texture as well as a structural element to any landscape bed.   ...
beef cattle in field
Make informed decisions for your beef herd
BAYLIS, Ill., – Producers weigh management options to build profitable cattle herds. Researchers at this year's Orr Beef Research Center Field Day will review several management practices to consider. The field at begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1 at the Ag Sciences Complex and Fred...
produce
Fall gardening is your time to plan for beautiful spring
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening, environmental stewardship, and backyard food production take year-round effort. University of Illinois Extension provides timely tips in its fall edition of the popular Four Seasons Gardening horticulture workshops.  Each...

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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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