Local growers learn from researchers during Ewing agronomy field day
EWING, Ill. – Illinois Extension invited the public to their annual Agronomy Field Day at the Ewing Demonstration Center on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9 a.m., with a free lunch to follow. The event featured various educators and campus faculty as they provided best management practices for...
Envisioning the next 150 years of crop research with the Alma Mater Plots
URBANA, Ill. — A couple of miles south of the main quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a remarkable agricultural experiment is taking shape. The so-called Alma Mater Plots are unique in their setup — with 64 one-acre plots, each...
Williamson County 4-H youth place in 2026 general show
MARION, Ill. – Creativity and skills were recently on display as Williamson County members shared their annual projects at the 4-H general show. Youth were judged in visual arts, photography, food and nutrition, floriculture, and more.4-H members who receive...
Franklin County 4-H youth place in 2026 general projects show
BENTON, Ill. – Creativity and skills were on full display as Franklin County 4-H members shared their annual projects at the 4-H General Projects Show. Members were judged in areas such as visual arts, photography, food and nutrition, floriculture, and much more. Those who...
Franklin County 4-H youth place in 2026 livestock and animal shows
BENTON, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather at the Franklin County Fairgrounds to exhibit beef, swine, sheep, and goats, and more during the annual 4-H fair. All livestock events allowed youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the...
Field Day offers an in-depth look at research at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center
SIMPSON, Ill. – Dixon Springs Agricultural Center is a University of Illinois research center dedicated to agricultural innovation, hands-on education, and rural development in the heart of southern Illinois. Since 1934, DSAC has supported farmers, landowners, and communities with practical,...
Game On! Youth Invited to Free 4-H Esports Experience in Mt. Vernon
Young gamers across Southern Illinois are invited to power up their skills at an exciting 4-H Esports Workshop and Tournament on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Township High School, 11101 N. Wells Bypass Road, Mt. Vernon, IL.Designed for youth of all experience...
Illinois 4-H shotgun team competes at record-setting National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — The 2026 National 4‑H Shooting Sports Championships, held June 21–26 in Grand Island, Nebraska, marked the largest event in its 26‑year history, bringing together 767 4‑H members from 42 states for one of the program’s premier national competitions.Illinois was...
First Annual 4‑H Day With the Thrillville Thrillbillies brings community together
MARION, Ill. – Youth, families, and community members gathered on June 28 at Mt. Dew Stadium in Marion for the first annual 4‑H Day with the Thrillville Thrillbillies, enjoying an afternoon filled with baseball, community, and fun.Hosted by...
Defining the modern ‘land-grant mission’ at ACES
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign often cites its land-grant legacy, but the land-grant university system is not a well-known...
Jackson County 4-H youth place in 2026 general show
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Creativity and skills were recently on display as Jackson County members shared their annual projects at the 4-H general show. Youth were judged in visual arts, photography, food and nutrition, floriculture, and more.4-H members that...
Jackson and Williamson County 4-H youth place in animal shows
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. – Local youth were excited to gather at the Jackson County Extension Office to participate in the 4-H horse show on June 18, and all other animal shows on June 20. During these events, 4-H members shared their knowledge of cats, dogs, lizards, rabbits, and other...
When natural curiosity takes root, Illinois communities thrive
The word “community” is often used to describe both people and nature, and for good reason. Each are groups of individuals sharing a space as they live and grow. It’s in this same spirit of collective...
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,...