Know your health insurance options if you lose your job
URBANA, Ill. - With businesses shutting down temporarily or scaling back staff, employees should consider the impact of layoffs on their health insurance coverage before their existing coverage ends to ensure there are no gaps in your coverage.
"Health care coverage is critical...
Produce farms provided COVID-19 disinfecting guidelines
New FDA food safety guidelines require local farmers to review and adapt their current food safety practices.
"There has never been a more important time to review food contact surfaces and high touch surface cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection procedures," says Zach Grant,...
4-H offers STEM challenges that can be done from home
ST. CHARLES – Put those building bricks, recyclables and other items lying around the house to good use, get techy on your computer or tablet, or explore your backyard or neighborhood with DuPage, Kane and Kendall County 4-H’s free Stay-at-Home STEM Challenges.
“These weekly challenges...
Are murder hornets here in Illinois; not likely
URBANA, Ill. - There has been a recent surge of interest in an invasive insect pest, the Asian Giant Hornet (AGH), or Vespa mandarinia. AGHs are the largest hornets in the world and are identifiable by their size and distinct bright yellow or orange heads. While well known for their large...
Farmers struggle with processing plant closures; What COVID-19 means for your dinner table
URBANA, Ill. – Headlines about dairy farms dumping milk and livestock being euthanized are a sharp contrast to empty meat cases. The novel coronavirus outbreak has disrupted the nation’s food supply chain, resulting in increased prices for panicked shoppers and major losses for Illinois farmers...
Respect electricity’s potential wrath
May is Electrical Safety Month
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Along with National Strawberry Month and National Barbecue Month, May heralds in a more serious observance: Electrical Safety Month. Electricity can be extremely dangerous, yet people rarely spend time considering...
Let's Talk Money webinars encourage financial dialogue
When it comes to talking about money, a lack of financial knowledge and the uneasiness of discussing sensitive issues keeps some people silent and risks the financial health of many families.
Let's Talk Money is a free 8-week online series offered by...
Change the way you see salad: meals, sides and desserts
Celebrate National Salad Month with Tips from U of I Extension
Whether it’s your main entrée, side dish or even dessert, salads can be an easy, nourishing staple in your household’s meal plan.
“For many people, salads may not seem exciting or enticing,” says...
Familiar tale: Victims of emerald ash borer and other exotic pests
URBANA, Ill. – The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has plagued native ash trees in Illinois since 2006. This pest was first introduced in 2002 around the Detroit area and rapidly spread across Michigan and Indiana to infect most of Illinois today....
Get answers to pressing commercial ag questions
From pests to stress, farmers face mounting challenges that threaten profitability, production, and health. Learn strategies for minimizing loss and maximizing profit during a series of four free online webinars by University of Illinois Extension. Registration is required and available by...
Extension continues transition to online webinars, 4-H shows, events
URBANA, Ill. – As Illinois residents contemplate the impact of the coronavirus health pandemic on summer plans, University of Illinois Extension has released updated guidelines for Extension sponsored events and activities. The new guidelines continue to focus on the safety of event participants...
Calling all pollinator fans: University of Illinois seeks citizen scientists
For the second year, University of Illinois Extension is calling all lovers of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators that keep our crops and gardens growing to join scientists in tracking their distribution and habitat use across the state. Potential volunteers may r...
Master Gardener program offers online training
URBANA, Ill. — For nearly five decades, Illinois Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow.
From...
Farmers needed for paid cover crop trial
URBANA, Ill. - Illinois farmers willing to participate in a paid cover crop demonstration trial are needed beginning in fall 2020. Participation is now open.
The Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program partners with university researchers and...
What's Next: legal challenges related to COVID-19 for local governments
Local officials and agency staff in Illinois need to stay current with potential legal challenges related to COVID-19. To help navigate this ever-changing landscape, University of Illinois Extension, partnering with the Illinois Association of County Board Members...
Strategies for minimizing land and water invasive species
Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and natural ecosystems and cost the country billions of dollars to combat. Learn what is being done to address the serious issues of both land and water invasives...
Online webinar helps farmers market managers navigate strategies
MT. VERNON, Ill. - It's farmers market season and managers are faced with many unique challenges this year. Natalie Kenny Marquez, Illinois Farmers Market Association (IFMA), will provide...
Raise chickens in your own backyard
KANKAKEE, Ill. - As more families consider growing their own food, chickens are a popular choice for a fresh source of eggs. Learn the basics of caring for chickens, from housing to health in a free online webinar offered by University of Illinois...