Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Disasters don't operate on a schedule, but pre-planning can help families and communities prepare for unexpected emergencies. A series of five workshops by University of Illinois Extension will outline proactive steps to take...
Local 4-H youth ready to exhibit their knowledge, skills at Warren County Fair
Local 4-H participants “learn by doing,” and the fair is their opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their time in 4-H as they display their projects.
4-H youth who raise beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy, and poultry for their annual projects can...
Hard work and dedication showcased at youth livestock exhibition in McDonough County
Hard work, quality care, and dedication paid off as 4-H members in McDonough County showcased their animals at this year's McDonough County Fair. These events provide an opportunity for youth to display sportsmanship and exude confidence as they showed the "best of the best"...
Tips to harvest garden vegetables at peak quality, flavor
URBANA, Ill. – Whether you started your first garden this year or are a veteran grower, we’re coming up on the heart of harvest season. One of the advantages of homegrown vegetables is that you can harvest produce at its peak quality and flavor.
But knowing when to harvest a crop...
McDonough County youth turn projects into valuable learning experiences
4-H youth put their passion and hard work on display at the McDonough County Fair 4-H Mini Fair on June 24, and the General Project Show on July 6.
In 4-H, projects are a way for members to learn about what interest them. Projects spark members to follow their passions, interests, and...
Head to Orr Agricultural Center July 20 for an agronomy-focused field day
As summer 2022 rolls on, so do the events of this year’s University of Illinois Agronomy Days. Farmers in the know are keeping a close watch on the summer-long calendar of events providing practical, research-...
Develop a disaster plan: Be prepared when disaster strikes
URBANA, Ill. – Floods, fire, tornadoes, and storms can put lives at risk, damage property, and shut down power. Building a household emergency plan is an important step to help individuals and families safely cope during emergencies, but knowing where to start can be...
Smart solar siting July 12 webinar discusses dual-use practices
URBANA, Ill. – States are working to address climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions by expanding renewable energy development. Recent models show that preferred sites — rooftops and brownfields — will not be enough to meet future energy needs.
"The siting of solar energy projects...
New biosecurity resource helps producers protect pigs
URBANA, Ill. –The estimated economic impact over 10 years is $50 billion if African swine fever finds its way into the United States, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
And...
Midwestern farmer feedback requested to guide $10M resilient agriculture project
URBANA, Ill. – The Diverse Corn Belt project is seeking farmer input through focus groups and in-field research. This is a multidisciplinary project exploring alternative crops, longer rotations, integrating livestock and perennials that could help increase resilience in Midwest agriculture....
Local 4-H youth ready to exhibit their knowledge, skills at Knox County Fair
Local 4-H participants “learn by doing,” and the fair is their opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their time in 4-H as they display their projects.
4-H youth who raise beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy, and poultry for their annual projects can...
Produce donation program improves health and nutrition at food pantries
URBANA, Ill. – Food pantries provide much needed relief for food insecure individuals and families. But pantries often rely on donations of canned and packaged foods with limited nutritional value. Growing Together Illinois, a program from Illinois...
Reduce impact of extreme temperatures on power grid
URBANA, Ill. - The National Weather Service reports that portions of the Midwest have experienced record-breaking, early-season heat, including numerous record highs and heat index values above 105 degrees....
Feed your community by safely donating homegrown fruits, vegetables
URBANA, Ill. – When home gardens are bursting with an overabundance of fresh produce, growers start looking for ways to share their bounty. Backyard gardeners can help feed their community by donating fruits and vegetables to local food pantries.
Growers planning on...
Local 4-H youth ready to exhibit their knowledge, skills at McDonough County Fair
Local 4-H participants “learn by doing,” and the fair is their opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their time in 4-H as they display their projects.
4-H youth who raise beef, swine, sheep, goats, dairy, and poultry for their annual projects can...
Guide outlines steps to take when pesticide drift occurs
URBANA, Ill. – Pesticides assist in managing pests. People should use precise application techniques detailed on the label so they don’t endanger people, pets, livestock, plants, and the environment.
Damage can occur when pesticide drifts from its intended location onto...
Midwestern hemp database applications open until July 24
URBANA, Ill. – Industrial hemp is one of the fasting growing crops across Midwestern fields and researchers are recruiting producers in the race to learn more.
University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educators are working...
Livestock judging helps youth improve local herds
URBANA, Ill. – Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2022 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus on June 20. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard...
Illinois State Fair cancels live poultry shows to protect from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced today both junior and open live shows at the Illinois State Fair will be canceled for 2022 to protect from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Illinois State Fair junior poultry exhibitors will continue to have an...
