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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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Stay safe on the farm this planting season
URBANA, Ill. – Spring is characterized by a fury of activity on farms. In the rush to get crops in the ground, farmers may not have safety and health as a priority.  Learn how to prevent common farm injuries and illness during this critical time at a free online webinar by...
Dream big with expert updates for northern fruit, vegetable farmers
URBANA, Ill. – When upstate fruit and vegetable growers are looking to diversify their small farm or adopt new practices, they rely on the experts at University of Illinois Extension. Every February, Extension educators meet with Wisconsin and Illinois commercial vegetable and fruit...
Explore financial incentives for environmentally-friendly farm practices
DEKALB, Ill. – The adoption of practices like no-till, cover crops, pasture management, and agroforestry can sequester carbon in the soil and reduce greenhouse gases. Farmers utilizing these practices have multiple, new, opportunities to be financially rewarded for carbon and other...
2021 is the year of the gardener; get ready with Home, Lawn, Garden Day
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Whether it’s inspiration for future backyard projects or meeting a new must-have plant, for 19 years the Home, Lawn, and Garden Day has given Central Illinois gardeners the tools they need to grow.   This annual gardening conference will be 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.,...
Southern Illinois growers rely on Extension's sound production advice
URBANA, Ill. – When downstate peach growers need a new cold-hardy variety, or when pumpkin fields are threatened by pests, growers rely on the experts at University of Illinois Extension. Extension educators have hosted in-person specialty crop schools in Southern Illinois for...
Live happy, healthier, wealthier lives; Extension can help
URBANA, Ill. – We're never too young or too old to learn valuable lessons that keep us fit, healthy, happy, and financially sound. In a tradition which has lasted decades and adapted with the changing world environment, Lessons for Living are monthly workshops which provide easy-to-understand...
4-H helps feed hungry families in their communities
URBANA, Ill. – Families across Illinois have more food on their table, and youth are leading the way.  4-H is investing in the next generation of food access leaders with a first round of Food Advocacy Grants aimed at helping youth become food advocates right in their own communities....
Country ponds need help to stay healthy, beautiful
URBANA, Ill. – Owning a lush and scenic country pond is a point of pride for many rural landowners, but over time ponds need a hand to stay clean and healthy. “Good management can slow or stop harmful changes like a buildup of surface algae or a decrease in fish so you can use and enjoy...

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