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Up close view of a brown marmorated stink bug on a green leaf.

New online agriculture course grows skills in identifying corn, soybean field insects

URBANA, Ill. — One thing is for sure, if there is a farm field, insects will visit it. Having the skills to identify insects inhabiting crop fields across the Midwest improves one’s ability to identify and effectively manage insect pests while avoiding unnecessary interventions that may…

Wind farm over a field of soybeans

Illinois clean energy transition excludes key constituents in energy justice equation

URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has made transitioning to clean energy a major priority in recent years with the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021. Both pieces of legislation prioritize an equitable transition, aiming to avoid and address…

Overhead view of farmland filled with solar panels.

Attend field day to learn how agrivoltaics boosts energy, resiliency in food production

URBANA, Ill. — Continuing to feed a growing world is the agriculture industry's future, and the demand for sustainability is here. One avenue of exploration includes agrivoltaics or solar energy within production agriculture.

“The relatively recent idea combines solar panels for…

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AgrAbility to provide tips for safe fall harvest
URBANA, Ill. – Every day, about 100 agricultural workers suffer an injury that results in lost work time. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health emphasizes the unique nature of farm life where family members share in...
Extension offers best gardening tips for fall season
URBANA, Ill. – As fall approaches, trees begin to change color, cold weather sweeps in, and garden prepping for winter begins.  A free three-part University of Illinois Extension online webinar series will help gardeners...
Stay up to date on latest ag practices with online, on-demand CropFlix
URBANA, Ill. – Farming in Illinois is very different than it was even 50 years ago and so is how row crop producers stay up to date on the latest recommendations. For more than 100 years, local University of Illinois Extension agriculture experts have worked in person and in the field...
Learn to grow with fall Master Gardener online training
URBANA, Ill. — From small farms and rural towns to the suburbs and inner-city, more than 2,600 trained Master Gardeners put their mission of “helping others learn to grow” into practice around Illinois through community service...
What lurks under the dirt?: Call before you dig
Instead of hitting pay dirt, you will pay if you hit an underground line SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day. The observance reminds anyone considering an outdoor project that breaks ground to get underground utilities...
Storm-damaged trees may not be savable
URBANA, Ill. Severe thunderstorms, tornados, and strong winds sometimes damage trees, flowers, and lawns. An EF-3 tornado that hit Northern Illinois in June destroyed several 100-year-old trees. Homeowners in Woodridge and Naperville struggled to find the best ways to clean up and...
entrance sign at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
Dixon Springs research takes center stage at upcoming forums
DIXON SPRINGS, Ill. – Research drives change for the agricultural industry. Current research projects from Dixon Springs Agricultural Center will be showcased monthly.  The first educational forum begins at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 and return the first Thursday of each month...
Extension’s strategic realignment means more help for Illinois families
URBANA, Ill. – Throughout history, families have grappled with how to manage chronic health conditions, eat well, balance a family budget, and create a stable beginning for their youngest family members. But modern families are faced with a new set of challenges layered on top of the long-...

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