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Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries

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…

An ACES alum with a hunger to serve

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…

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

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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When coal mines close: Help for transitioning communities
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois contains about 15% recoverable coal reserves and is the nation’s second-largest coal producer, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Five of the 11 remaining Illinois coal plants are scheduled...
Hackers attack US meat supply chain
URBANA, Ill. - Another international cyberattack may have a direct impact on your dinner table. Over the weekend, hackers breached computer systems of JBS USA, the second-largest producer of beef, pork, and poultry in the country. Sunday, the company initiated a shutdown of many of its...
Keep an eye out for invasive jumping worms in the garden
URBANA, Ill. – After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm. Jumping worms are non-native earthworms that...
Tomorrow's leaders backed by new Southern Illinois 4-H educator
URBANA, Ill. – From empowering Illinois youth to dream big to preparing them to face tomorrow's challenges and become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development staff are...
Smart Growth strategies take an intentional approach to community vitality
URBANA, Ill. – Rural communities facing economic challenges and population decline not only care about taxes, length of commutes, employment opportunities, and housing affordability but also seek to preserve the lifestyle and atmosphere that make their community special. Development in...
Will you save a life? Register to support farm mental health efforts
URBANA, Ill. – America's farm families are paying a heavy mental toll as they deal with unpredictable weather, variable input costs, long work hours, and unpredictable commodity prices. A gap exists between farm families and the resources they need to keep them safe....
Add interest by creating a moonlight garden
URBANA, Ill. – Gardeners who look forward to enjoying their landscapes during warm summer nights should consider creating a moonlight garden that extends the experience late into the evening. ...
FOIA policy review protects public interest, supports local compliance
The Freedom of Information Act serves a vital role in American democracy. To keep government transparent, FOIA requires government agencies to disclose information and records as requested by the public, unless the request falls under certain exclusions. Public agencies failing to comply...
New crop scouting competition tests student field skills
URBANA, Ill. – In a corn or soybean field, knowing how crops are progressing or being able to identify an insect can mean the difference between a profitable harvest and a bad year. The first-ever Illinois Crop Scouting Competition is a one-day on-campus contest in August that tests...
Youth make their mark in the livestock industry
URBANA, Ill.— Illinois teens gained hands-on experience in the livestock field in this year’s Illinois 4-H Junior Livestock Conference in April.  Youth were able to practice real-world skills in one of...

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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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