Farm Estate Planning Series: Are your heirs ready for the changes your death will cause?
Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal or tax advice.PEORIA, Ill. - Thinking about retiring from farming? Maybe you are brainstorming how the operation will transition when you are gone due to illness, injury, or death....
Learn the latest research during Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. — Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag...
Tree pruning workshop took root beyond the orchard
PEKIN, Ill. - A Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop hosted by University of Illinois Extension continues to produce results months after participants left Christ Orchard in Elmwood. Twenty-one people attended the February 2026 program to learn how proper pruning can improve tree health, structure, and...
Illinois 4-H announces winners of 2026 Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 4-H Hooks Us Together Fishing Tournament, a statewide virtual fishing competition that encouraged youth to explore the outdoors, develop fishing skills, and connect with nature.This virtual tournament attracted an...
Farm Estate Planning Series: First step is organize your farm into a document
Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal or tax advice.PEORIA, Ill. - This article will help you organize your farm into a document from which you will create an estate plan, so your advisors understand exactly what you...
Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....
Field day offers in-depth look at commercial pumpkin production
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkins are big business in Illinois. In 2024, the state harvested more than twice the pumpkin acreage of the next five states combined, topping 485 million pounds. As Illinois...
Celebrating independence through 4-H youth development
PEORIA, Ill. - The greatest gifts we can give youth in 4-H go beyond a champion banner, plaque, or even letterman jacket. Confidence in their own abilities is the real reward!As mentors, it's natural to want to step in and help. For project helpers, the desire is there for animals to look...
4-H Club Spotlight: Tazewell Country 4-H Club offers unique learning experiences
PEKIN, Ill. - 4-H meetings are more than just a regular monthly meeting. Just ask the members of the Tazewell Country 4-H club. Located primarily in Hopedale, members of this club are engaged with their local community and build unique connections each year. The club continues a long...
Farm Estate Planning Series: You need a solid farm estate plan
Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal or tax advice.PEORIA, Ill. - In the past decade, more attention has been given to estate planning for family farm businesses, as the average age of commercial farmers in Illinois is...
Master Gardeners invest in accessible gardens at local nursing home
PEKIN, Ill. - When Hallmark House physical therapist and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Vic Harting looked at the outdoor spaces surrounding the nursing home, she saw more than landscaping. She saw an opportunity to create meaningful moments of connection for individuals who...
Pet show was "puurrrfect" for Fulton 4-H members
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The Fulton County 4-H Pet Show was held on June 10, at the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown. Ten 4-H members exhibited fourteen pets. Makenna Johnson served as the judge for Cats and Guinea Pigs; Debbie Beoletto judged Rabbits and Small Pets.Best of...
Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...
Peoria Agronomy Summit brings research-driven insights to Central Illinois farmers
PEORIA, Ill. - The 2026 Peoria Agronomy Summit welcomed more than 50 growers, ag professionals, and land owners to Illinois Central College’s East Peoria campus for a full day of research-focused learning. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension in...
The NRA Foundation awards $4,676 to the Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports program
LEWISTOWN, Ill. -- The NRA Foundation has awarded the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports program a grant valued at $4,676 to fund shotgun and rifle ammunition, in addition to targets and other supplies. "We are very thankful for the continued support we have received from the NRA," said...
Alicia Sandidge hired as new Mason 4-H coordinator
HAVANA, Ill - Just as 4-H has many project areas and ways for members to flourish, the new Mason County 4-H coordinator has had unique experiences that will bring a fresh perspective to Mason County 4-H. ...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase creativity, confidence at State Fashion Revue
NORMAL, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members from across the state showcased their creativity, craftsmanship, and personal style during the Illinois 4-H State Fashion Revue on June 6 at Heartland Community College.The event featured youth ages 8 to 18 competing in junior and senior divisions...
