News Releases

Pink and orange blooming zinnia flowers speckled with white powdery mildew on leaves
Prevent, protect zinnias from powdery mildew
URBANA, Ill. — The summer is always a little brighter in the garden when brightly colored zinnias are among the various plants. Zinnias are heat and drought-tolerant plants that attract a variety of summer pollinators. This flower thrives early in the season, but as summer temperatures rise and...
Tiny aphid insects crawling along plant leaves and stems.
Managing pests in the garden
URBANA, Ill. — Warm weather has arrived, and plants are starting to green up and bloom. That also means weeds, insects, and diseases are starting to become active too. As the saying goes, the only things guaranteed in life are death and taxes, and for gardeners, pests are also included in the...
Growing figs on a plant stem
Go figure, figs are a great addition to home gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Sometimes growers just want to try something new in their garden. How about an ancient fruit with edible leaves? How about figs? For many years, growing figs was relegated to warmer regions, but with the combination of the warming climate and the development of cold-hardy fig...
Yellow to green ombre background with Four Seasons Gardening text overlay
Add two new Four Seasons Gardening webinars to summer plans
URBANA, Ill. — Take a break from summer garden care and watering for a conversation about native bees and crop rotation. Two new sessions from the Four Seasons Gardening series will have attendees exploring more about native bees and ways to...
A tree hedgerow growing tall and over crops in a farm field
Getting dust to settle, stay on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — As another large dust storm impacted Illinois in May, the conversation and questions continue about why and how to get the dust to settle and stay in the field rather than across roadways....
Black and white dairy cattle in a barn.
Local dairy farm to be featured in Extension’s Summer Twilight Series
ALBION, Ill. – The Summer Twilight Series, a long-standing program hosted by Illinois Extension, offers a behind-the-scenes look into a variety of agriculture industries, farms, and locally owned businesses in the southern Illinois region. The program allows community members to...
Vintage picture at camp.
Celebrating 75 years of 4-H camp magic
MONTICELLO, Ill. — The 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello is turning 75 — and Illinois 4-H is inviting past campers, friends, and alumni to celebrate a legacy of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.The celebration takes place July 19 at 4-H Memorial Camp, located at 499...
A red barn in the distance with a sign that says "The Flock Farm" by the road.
Twilight series marks tenth season with in-depth look at poultry production
ANNA, Ill. – Thirteen counties, 35 farms, and 10 years of cultivating connections – these are the milestones of the Summer Twilight Series. Designed to bring together farmers, educators, and community members, the series celebrates the innovation and diversity of local agriculture. Now in its...
Horse bowl winners pose.
State horse bowl builds knowledge, lifelong friendships
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Winners pose.
Youth exhibit skills, gain self-confidence in horse speaking contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 11-...
Hippology winners pose.
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Robotics team practices before competition.
Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. ­– Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...
White fuzzy appearing specs that are mealybugs on a houseplant stem.
Keeping outside pests off indoor plants
URBANA, Ill. — Keeping houseplants is a hobby that has recently seen a huge resurgence. Now, nurseries that were all but shuttered for the winter are hosting houseplant parties and other events to help people keep their hands dirty all year.Tending to houseplants is a way to maintain our...
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