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New land grant research detects dicamba damage from the sky

July 9, 2025

URBANA, Ill — Drones can now detect subtle soybean canopy damage from dicamba at one ten-thousandth of the herbicide’s label rate — simulating vapor drift — eight days after application. This advancement in remote sensing from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides a science-based…

Learn practical strategies to minimize contamination, improve produce safety

July 9, 2025

URBANA, Ill. — Contamination in wash and pack areas remains one of the leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks in fresh produce. Without proper handling and sanitation practices, even the most carefully grown crops can pose a serious health risk to consumers and a financial risk to…

Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan

July 1, 2025

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…

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A person leaning over to use garden snips to cut off a section of the houseplant for propagation.

February 24, 2025

From one to many: A beginner's guide to plant propagation
URBANA, Ill. — Many indoor gardeners quickly discover that one houseplant is rarely enough. What begins as an admiration for a charming or unique plant often evolves into a strong desire, or even a need, to fill every corner of a home or office with lush greenery. A simple and cost-effective way...

Someone filling a glass of water at the kitchen sink

February 20, 2025

Tap into Illinois water resources, actions to take at home with Everyday Environment
URBANA, Ill. — With the quick twist of a handle, water is easily available whenever we need it for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, and yard work. But do you know where your water comes from?Water is a vital resource that affects everyone. This spring, learn more about how water works...

February 13, 2025

Online weight loss program is effective way to reach rural populations, study shows
URBANA, Ill. — People living in rural areas are at greater risk for obesity than the general population, and they often have limited access to healthy, affordable food, physical activity facilities, public transportation, and healthcare institutions. Weight loss interventions are more successful...

A man pours sap from a metal pot to another container outside

February 11, 2025

Maple syrup season is a short, sweet window of opportunity for tapping into trees
SIMPSON, Ill. — Maple syrup is a one-ingredient food. Only one thing goes into making it: the sap of maple trees collected in early spring. Every year in late January, the University of Illinois Extension...

February 10, 2025

New agroforestry maps plot environmental, social, and economic benefits of trees
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a longstanding attitude in many farming communities that trees and agriculture don’t mix. But agroforestry — the intentional integration of trees and shrubs in agricultural systems, such as planting trees as windbreaks, integrating trees on pastures, or growing tree crops...

February 7, 2025

Spring into gardening with tools and tips at upcoming gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is near, and your green thumb is ripe for gardening. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just getting started, growing nutrient-rich vegetables, fresh fruits, and aromatic herbs is more than just a way to fill your plate; it is like a badge of honor. Gardening...

February 6, 2025

Farmers share how to keep valuable soil in fields
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill. — When it comes to farming, there is no substitute for experience. This March, producers and landowners can connect with local Illinois farmers and learn from others’ hands-on knowledge on preventing soil loss in their fields at the Cultivating Conversations: Preventing Soil...

February 5, 2025

Illinois Extension invites forest landowners to attend tri-state forestry conference
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference has a 25-plus-year tradition of providing great information and resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin tri-state area. It has been one of the largest conferences for forest landowners in the Midwest....

invasive glossy buckthorn in bloom in forest

February 4, 2025

Forest landowner motivation to control invasive species depends on land use, study shows
URBANA, Ill. — Many U.S. forests are privately owned, particularly in the Eastern and North Central part of the country. This makes control of invasive plants and pests challenging because efforts must be coordinated across landowners. A...

A posed side view of a black Angus bull standing in a pasture in front of a silver fence.

January 31, 2025

2025 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale prioritizes trusted genetics for herd growth
URBANA, Ill. — Herd knowledge, experience, and the addition of trusted genetics can take a beef cattle herd into new beginnings. Start off the year by attending the annual Illinois Performance...

January 30, 2025

What to know about avian flu in wild birds, poultry, and pets in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock, pets, wildlife, food safety, and public health.HPAI is an extremely contagious and frequently deadly respiratory disease for...

January 30, 2025

Connect with health information experts in the Springtime Science series
URBANA, Ill. — While technology has revolutionized access to health information, the proliferation of inaccurate and potentially dangerous content online presents a significant public health challenge. It is essential to develop collaborative models that bring together researchers, educators,...

A wooden background painted teal with a word overlay reading Growing Great Vegetables.

January 21, 2025

Strengthen spring planting with tips from Growing Great Vegetables webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — As gardening continues to gain popularity, it is important to keep the learning growing. Whether it is skills needed for a large backyard garden or a few windowsill and porch pots, sharing the knowledge and how much fun gardening activities with others can be very fulfilling....

January 17, 2025

Fruit and Vegetable School connects local growers with industry experts
MT. VERNON, Ill. – Commercial fruit and vegetable growers face a lot of uncertainties. One thing is certain: University of Illinois Extension has the practical, current research to help you make those important production decisions. Get practical research-based information to make your specialty...

Tie dye blue and purple background with black Four Seasons Gardening text.

January 15, 2025

Chase away those winter blues with Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Thinking about spring planting and gardening while the snow falls can help to deal with the winter blues. The Four Seasons Gardening webinar series is back and begins Feb. 11. Two new winter sessions explore ways to sow annual...

January 15, 2025

Songbirds socialize on the wing during migration, new study says
URBANA, Ill. — The night sky teems with migrating songbirds, aloft in their millions following routes etched in evolutionary time. But those flight paths may not be entirely innate, according to new research...

January 15, 2025

New 4-H Educator looks forward to building partnerships for youth success
University of Illinois Extension recognizes that positive youth development programs are crucial for fostering resilient youth and strengthening families. Furthermore, strong partnerships play a critical role in effectively sharing statewide resources. Illinois Extension is pleased to welcome...

Water flooding and rushing through a drainage system in a farm field.

January 14, 2025

Explore integrated water management with Illinois Extension workshop
Notes on the Event Schedule ChangeThank you for your interest in the Integrated Water Management for Landowners and Farmers workshop. The workshop is canceled. For questions, please contact ...

Groups of young pigs standing in multiple pens with slatted floors in confinement house.

January 14, 2025

Registration open for 2025 Certified Livestock Manager Training in-person sessions
URBANA, Ill. — The importance of livestock's health, overall well-being, and safety is the responsibility of producers and all who care for the animals daily. Having certified individuals on staff strengthens an operation through shared knowledge and building conversations with individuals...

A woman stands in a grassy field holding a long blade of grass

January 13, 2025

Can one person make a difference on environmental issues?
Global environmental issues like habitat loss and pollution can feel overwhelming. Can one person’s actions make a difference? Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator Erin Garrett believes so. Garrett provides...

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New land grant research detects dicamba damage from the sky

Learn practical strategies to minimize contamination, improve produce safety

Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan

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