Illinois Extension offers support for farmers experiencing economic stress
URBANA, Ill. — As farmers across the state face mounting economic pressures, University of Illinois Extension reminds agricultural producers, advisers, and families that free help is available wherever you are.Assistance resources range...
Extension foresters protect trees, empower landowners
As the saying goes, the hope is that trees will “bloom where they’re planted.” Still, sometimes even these plant powerhouses need help overcoming challenges like invasive species, urban environments, and...
Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow...
Know before you throw, new law expands free battery recycling options
URBANA, Ill. — After years of powering remotes, children’s toys, and other household devices, the final destination for used batteries is usually the junk drawer. Or worse, it is tossed in the trash can. Now,...
Small Businesses can gain valuable lessons at OSHA Basics 101 workshop
PEKIN, Ill. – Small business owners take on a lot of different roles and responsibilities. It can become overwhelming at times to manage it all. The safety and well-being of their employees is an essential aspect of any business owner. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration...
Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference returns to support Midwest landowners
URBANA, Ill. — The Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference, one of the largest gatherings for forest landowners in the Midwest, returns this spring. For more than 25 years, the conference has provided resources to forest landowners in the Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin area to better manage their...
Spring starts early at Gardeners’ BIG Day
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Even though it is still winter, gardeners across the region start looking forward to a spring event on the calendar: Gardeners’ BIG Day. This annual event returns on March 14, this time in a new location, Cuba High School.Though the venue has...
Extension partners with STAR to support farm conservation goals
LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Healthy soils, cleaner water, and stronger farms, one field at a time – University of Illinois Extension and STAR, Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources, are working together to make it happen.STAR was born out of a...
Learn about the latest research at Dudley Smith Farm
TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Stay informed on current agriculture practices and the latest research taking place at Dudley Smith Farm during the annual Winter Meeting. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the University of Illinois Extension Christian County Office located at 1120 N....
Families build winter wonderlands together in Illinois 4-H Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H families came together over winter break to create imaginative, story-filled scenes for the Illinois 4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Challenge, the final event in this year’s Building Brick Challenge Series. The special challenge invited families to work...
Strengthen livestock facility management through 2026 Certified Livestock Manager Training
URBANA, Ill. — Livestock operations are strengthened by having certified individuals on staff. Certification helps minimize environmental impacts through increased awareness of regulations and proper manure nutrient management. Anyone responsible for managing a facility can benefit from...
Farm Finance Series: The farm market value balance sheet
As the Midwest agriculture sector faces another year of low profits, farmers need to take a closer look at their farm balance sheet, which is a snapshot of their financial condition on a specific day. The market-value balance sheet is based on the current value of farm assets owned...
New family resource helps tackle digital challenges at home
URBANA, Ill. — The advent of smartphones, social media platforms, streaming video sites, and numerous other technological advancements has led to unprecedented changes throughout society, including changes in daily life at home. This rapid change has raised multiple questions and concerns among...