News Releases

woman wearing medallion
Logan County’s Deanna Voyles named to Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame
LINCOLN, Ill. – Illinois 4-H has honored Logan County’s own Deanna Voyles for her remarkable 40+ years of service, inducting her into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame during the Illinois State Fair 4-H Alumni & Volunteer Celebration.Voyles, a leader of the Beason Ag 4-H Club and longtime...
square headshots of 6 youth
Local 4-H scholarships awarded
LINCOLN, Ill. – Local 4-H members were recently awarded scholarships in recognition of their accomplishments in 4-H, school, and community service.The Logan County 4-H Foundation awarded the Ross B. Conrady Memorial Scholarship to Sophia Schneider of the Beason Ag 4-H Club. She...
a 4-H member demonstrates his electricity project exhibit to a judge
4-H members showcase projects at county shows
LINCOLN, Ill. – Local 4-H members showcased their knowledge and skills at the 2025 4-H Shows, earning awards across a variety of project areas.This year’s events featured:Sangamon County: 218 live animal entries (June 29–30, Sangamon County...
exhibitors
Menard County youth share project work during 2025 4-H shows
PETERSBURG, Ill. – 4-H members earned awards during the local 2025 4-H Shows by demonstrating knowledge and skills they gained this year.  Menard County 4-H members showed 93 live animal exhibits at the Menard County Fair and 42 general project exhibits, and 1 entry at the Logan, Menard and...
Three crop researchers stand posed in a knee high soybean field
New land grant research detects dicamba damage from the sky
URBANA, Ill — Drones can now detect subtle soybean canopy damage from dicamba at one ten-thousandth of the herbicide’s label rate — simulating vapor drift — eight days after application. This advancement in remote sensing from the University of Illinois...
A group of Holstein dairy cattle walking through a flooded barn area
Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan
URBANA — When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when disaster strikes and a herd of cattle are grazing pasture?Dr. Yvette...
Looking down the rows where a corn and soybean field edge meet
Corn after soy: New study quantifies rotation benefits and trade-offs
URBANA — While the majority of Midwestern farmers rotate corn and soybeans, commodity prices and corn yield advantages compel some to plant corn year after year. Although foundational research on the benefits of corn-soybean rotation goes back decades, University...
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...
six youth holding award ribbons and medals
Abe Lincoln 4-H Shooters holds archery exhibition
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Abe Lincoln Shooters 4-H club currently offers archery as part of the Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Program, guided by a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator and aligned with national standards. Focused on youth development, the program helps members build life skills...
scholarship recipient
MENARD COUNTY 4-H AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP
PETERSBURG, IL - Menard County 4-H is proud to announce that Emma Wankel has been awarded the 2025 Menard County 4-H Scholarship.  Emma, the daughter of Tim and Kendra Wankel is a graduate of the PORTA School District and will receive a $1,500 scholarship to support her education. ...
2 youth wearing baseball jerseys standing in front of a banner that says "Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest"
4-H Public Speaking Contest celebrates youth talent
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Young voices took center stage on Saturday, April 26, as 4-H members from across Illinois showcased their communication skills at the annual 4-H Public Speaking Contest, held in Champaign and hosted by University of Illinois Extension.The statewide competition brought...
attendees looking at display boards
Grab your passport to 4-H International Night
WILLIAMSVILLE, Ill. – Local 4-H club members showcased their knowledge of different countries at the 2025 International Night on Tuesday, April 22, at the Williamsville Village Hall. Teams created educational displays featuring photos, books, traditional clothing and food samples representing...
A large agriculture-related dust cloud over a farm field
Dust storms in Illinois: Identifying farm solutions
URBANA, Ill. — Dust storms have become an increasing concern in Illinois, prompting investigations into their causes and potential solutions. These weather events have resulted in fatalities, including a 2023...
nine youth standing in a row holding award ribbons
4-H Public Speaking Contest results announced
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Local 4-H members presented speeches and earned awards at this year’s Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H Public Speaking Contest, which was held March 25 at the Sangamon County Extension Office in Springfield.  Awards winners included: Champion...