News Releases

Community Turns Out for 28th Annual Gardener’s Day in Macomb
Macomb, IL — The 28th Annual Gardener’s Day brought together nearly 100 gardening enthusiasts on March 28, 2026, at the Spoon River College Outreach Center in Macomb. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension and the McDonough County Master Gardeners, the daylong event offered...

Local 4-H Youth Advance to State Public Speaking Contest
Galesburg, IL — The University of Illinois Extension is proud to announce that several outstanding 4‑H members from Knox and McDonough counties have advanced to the Illinois 4‑H State Public Speaking Contest, taking place April 25, 2026, at...

Against the Grain: Dr. Salah Issa on Innovating Ag Safety
URBANA, Ill. — Dr. Salah Issa’s career in agricultural safety began in an unexpected way. Starting out at a graduate program in Ecological Sciences and Engineering at Purdue University as a self-described “city kid”, he was unaware that agricultural engineering was even a career option. It wasn’...

Galesburg Area Eighth Graders Explore Careers and Real World Skills at Sandburg Event
Galesburg, IL — On March 27, 2026, nearly 350 eighth‑grade students from Knox and Warren counties participated in the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration event held at Carl Sandburg College’s Galesburg campus. University of Illinois...

Find solutions to manage non-native plants and animals at Invasive Species Symposium
URBANA, Ill. — From new invasive species threats to updates on how to manage them, the world of invasive species is always changing. Learn about emerging invasives, explore management options, share ideas,...

New webinar series supports adults in strengthening long-term health
URBANA, Ill. — Millions of adults in the United States live with chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension, often facing daily challenges that affect their health, mobility, and overall quality of life. Managing these conditions requires reliable information, practical...

Frequent prescribed burns help young oaks thrive despite invasive grasses, Illinois study finds
URBANA, Ill. — As winter comes to a close, many people look forward to warmer temperatures and spring blooms, but for land managers working to preserve or restore oak-dominated forests, it is prescribed burn...

Youth can strengthen crop scouting skills at statewide Illinois Extension competition
URBANA, Ill. — There is no better way to check in on a crop field than to take a walk down a row. Youth looking to strengthen their agronomy skills or share what they already know can do so while competing with a team at the...

Teens step up to lead: Illinois 4-H ready to expand Teen Teachers Program to prepare youth for the future
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is expanding its nationally recognized Teen Teachers program through a competitive grant opportunity from National 4-H Council and Lilly Endowment Inc., positioning young people across the state to be beyond ready for college, careers and community leadership....

Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...

University of Illinois Extension names Tara Heath as new county director for Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties
University of Illinois Extension is pleased to announce the appointment of Tara Heath as the new County Director for Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties. Heath will assume the role when Lisa Torrance, who has served Extension with distinction for 24...

After the storm: Illinois Extension shares resources for storm recovery, rebuilding, disaster preparedness
URBANA, Ill. — After strong storms swept across much of Illinois, many communities are facing damaged property and stressful situations. The hours and days following a major storm are often filled with urgent questions. Residents can navigate those decisions using research-based resources from...

Illinois 4-H expands workforce pathways with foodservice credential program for teens
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is preparing teens to be beyond ready for careers through a new initiative that connects youth with industry-recognized foodservice credentials and hands-on workforce experience.The Beyond Ready Foodservice Industry Credential Program will help...

Illinois 4-H youth showcase skill and precision at state meat judging contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their knowledge of meat science and evaluation at the 2026 Illinois 4-H State Meat Judging Contest held March 6 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Meat Science Laboratory in Urbana. A total of 56 4-H members...

Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...

An ACES alum with a hunger to serve
URBANA, Ill. — When Steve Ericson walked into the Illinois State Fair as a young exhibitor in 1974, he couldn’t have imagined that one day he’d return, not to show livestock, but to help connect Illinois-grown food to families in need. Now, as Executive Director of...

Microwave frying can help lower oil content for healthier French fries
URBANA, Ill. — Fried foods are popular with consumers, but their high fat content can contribute to health challenges like obesity and hypertension. If the food industry can offer lower-fat options of similar quality, people can more easily make health-conscious food choices.Researchers...

See safety in action at Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week Kickoff event in Urbana
URBANA, Ill. — What began as an idea from agricultural industry groups to help ensure safety in the workplace has now become a nationwide movement. Stand Up 4 Grain Safety Week takes place March 30 through April 6, and the 2026 Illinois kickoff...

2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale returns record-high results
URBANA, Ill. — Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held on Feb. 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $7,284 on 37 lots, setting an all-time record high average for the sale."The...

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign receives 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national distinction that recognizes higher education institutions demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to community engagement. Illinois previously received...