Celebrating Curiosity and Growth: McDonough County 4 H Cloverbuds Shine at Annual Showcase
MACOMB, IL - 4-H Fair season started off with a bang on Friday, June 26, 2026, as the youngest members, the Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, presented their projects during the annual Cloverbud Showcase. This hands-on activity is the culmination of their year-long learning and team-building activities...
Comment Period for the DRAFT Henderson County All Hazards Mitigation Plan is Now Open
Gladstone, IL-Henderson County is collaborating with the University of Illinois Extension and the Illinois State Water Survey to update the Henderson County All Hazards Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Planning Team is asking anyone residing in Henderson County to...
4 H Youth Showcase Skills and Sportsmanship at 2026 Multi County Dog Show
ROSEVILLE, Ill. — The 4‑H Dog Show held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, brought together talented youth from Henderson, Warren, and Knox counties for a day of impressive showmanship, obedience, rally work, and dog care demonstrations. Exhibitors highlighted the dedication, patience, and strong...
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,...
Glass recycling turns one in McDonough County; Residents asked to weigh in on what comes next.
MACOMB, IL-McDonough County is celebrating the first anniversary of its glass recycling program while encouraging residents to help shape its future by participating in a brief community survey. Residents can participate by visiting go.illinois.edu/Glass.One year and 41 tons of recycled...
New webinar series empowers Illinois communities with trusted health expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever. That’s why educators, researchers, and community partners are collaborating to...
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...
Illinois 4-H youth earns national recognition for excellence in livestock education
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H member Molly McCalla of Madison County has been awarded a $2,500 Youth for the Quality Care of Animals scholarship in recognition of her commitment to animal care, leadership, and agricultural education.McCalla was one of 12 students selected nationwide to...
How farmers respond to climate-related risk
URBANA, Ill. — As climate change increases the frequency of drought, excessive rainfall, and other extreme weather events, farmers face growing uncertainty about crop production. Understanding how farmers perceive and respond to that uncertainty can help improve agricultural...
ACES Agronomy Days series returns to University of Illinois
With summer just around the corner, Agronomy Days will soon return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The season-long series teaches Illinois growers the latest...
Delve into water quality research at Dudley Smith Farm Field Day
PANA, Ill. — To help area agricultural producers learn about the latest research on water quality, conservation practices, and related topics, the Dudley Smith Initiative is hosting a research plot tour this June with...
Explore key benefits, challenges of using agricultural drones at Illinois Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — Technology continues to advance and modernize today’s farming practices. Drone use in farming has gained steady traction and interest, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.Attendees can learn more at a field-...
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
From judging to food systems: 4-H youth build real-world skills at poultry contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their poultry evaluation skills during the 2026 Illinois 4-H Poultry Judging Contest held April 28 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.The annual contest provides youth with hands-on experience...
