Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...
Livestock Showmanship Clinic held at Fulton County Fairgrounds
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Earlybird Nutrition, in partnership with Fulton County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee and Fulton County 4-H, hosted a free Livestock Showmanship Clinic for all interested youth on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds in Lewistown. Robyn Hendel, Grant...
Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...
Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show held
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show were held on Saturday, March 28 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon. 4-H members Josie Featherlin, Julia Jarvis, and Briley Mercer presented formal speeches, Max Mercer and Aaliyah Naff presented...
Extension assists farmers to navigate the challenging farm economy
HAVANA, Ill. - For the past decade, farm profits have been highly volatile making farm business planning difficult. Grain prices have been all over the board — down, up, and back down. Input costs have also been unstable. These and many other factors can create a lot of stress for producers....
Farm Drainage Series part 6: Repairing and maintaining farm tile systems
This article is not to be construed as legal advice. Consult with your legal advisor before entering tile agreements.HAVANA, Ill. - Contractors design modern farm drainage-tile installations to last for many decades. Some older systems are approaching and...
Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...
4-H food decorating workshop sweetens skills for local youth
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - This winter, Fulton County 4-H offered an appetizing adventure for young creators—a food decorating workshop designed to help youth express their artistic flair through frosting and fun. Part of the 4-H Visual...
Livestock Showmanship Clinic to be held
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - EarlyBird Nutrition, in partnership with Fulton County Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee, and Fulton County 4-H, will host a free Livestock Showmanship Clinic for all interested youth on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, located at 1325...
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...
2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale returns record-high results
URBANA, Ill. — Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held on Feb. 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $7,284 on 37 lots, setting an all-time record high average for the sale."The...
Illinois Extension supports rural communities with a business transition plans series
URBANA, Ill. — Across the United States, many small-business owners are approaching retirement without a clear plan for what comes next. Although these entrepreneurs have spent decades building companies that support local jobs and services, many are unaware of succession options beyond...
