Seeking farmers for ag conservation focus group
University of Illinois Extension is seeking 10 area farmers in Illinois to participate in a discussion about agricultural conservation practices and programs. Illinois professor of agricultural economics, Dr. Ben Gramig is collaborating with professors from Purdue University to gather opinions...
Free Extension Webinars for Small Farmers
DECATUR, Ill. — During winters, farmers may not be out in their fields, but that doesn’t mean they are taking a break. Starting in January, University of Illinois Extension is providing a weekly educational webinar series for the small farm community. This online series will provide small farm...
Illinois Extension to give Legislative Update to Statewide Local Officials
Illinois Extension's Community and Economic Development team will host a webinar that highlights new or upcoming legislative changes with a focus on those elements which will directly impact local governments across Illinois. The webinar, ...
U of I launches fellowship to connect graduates with public service careers
Urbana, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension has announced an open application period for government offices to apply to for the newly created Illini Science Policy Fellowship. The program matches University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate students completing their degrees with Illinois...
Industrial hemp summit to take place in January
University of Illinois Extension in partnership with American Hemp Research will be hosting an Industrial Hemp Processing Summit in Roseville, Illinois.
Join Extension Educator, Phillip Alberti as he kicks off the summit with a 2019 review of industrial hemp in Illinois. Midwest...
Illinois Extension Develops Industrial Hemp Resources
Illinois producers did you grow hemp in 2019? Are you interested in giving it a shot in 2020? With the end of the growing season here, there are many hemp growers who will be looking to find processors and end buyers for their product. As this is an emerging industry without a developed supply...
Extension to Host Industrial Hemp Workshops throughout Southern Illinois
MURPHYSBORO, Ill.- During the first week of February, University of Illinois Extension will host three separate workshops throughout southern Illinois to share information on industrial hemp production.
The signing of the Illinois hemp bill has provided opportunities for the cultivation...
Christmas tree hitchhikers
URBANA, Ill. – If you have ever purchased or harvested a living or cut Christmas tree, you may have inadvertently brought in some overwintering pests.
Luckily, any concerns about these pests are unwarranted. “Yes, it is true that Christmas trees can harbor dormant pests that become...
Winter seed sowing
URBANA, Ill. – Winter-sowing is a cost-effective and low-maintenance way of starting plants for the garden. Creator of the winter-sowing method, Trudi Davidoff puts it in simple terms: starting plants outdoors, in winter.
“Winter-sowing works with nature to prepare seeds for growth...
Explore and assess your seeds this winter
URBANA, Ill. – While there may still be snow on the ground outside, it is never too early to start planning your garden for the spring. Begin by digging through your old seed packet stashes to find those still viable to plant.
Seeds are considered viable when they are capable of...
Growing holly
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreens such as holly, with its bright green leaves and sparkling red berries, add excitement to an otherwise dull winter landscape. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn provides insights on growing the winter favorite. ...
Overwintering tropical plants
URBANA, Ill. – Tropical plants have gained a lot of popularity in recent years as an easy way to add an attractive look to back patios, decks, and containers. Plants such as mandevilla, alocasia (elephant ear), and hibiscus are sold at garden centers in containers and, while they offer great...
Winter protection of woody ornamentals
URBANA, Ill. – As winter arrives, we all wonder at the temperatures we will have to endure throughout the season. Fortunately, ornamental plants begin preparing for winter early through a process called cold acclimation. The process is signaled by cooling temperatures and shorter day lengths....
Private Applicator sessions scheduled in Monmouth and Galesburg
Farmer’s wishing to apply restricted-use pesticides to property that they own or control in the production of an agricultural commodity must be certified as private applicators in the state of Illinois.
A training and test session will be offered on January 8, 2020 at the Lake Storey...
Soil and Water Management training to take place in Monmouth
University of Illinois Extension will be hosting the Soil and Water Management Webinar at the Warren County Extension office on February 20, 2020 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Here in the Midwest, we are blessed with very productive soils. Management plays a big role in keeping those soils...
Local 4-H clubs win state award
Two local 4-H clubs were recognized at the state level for their work in youth development. Rio Livestock of Knox County 4-H won a state award for their work in community service while Cameron Kids of Warren County 4-H won in the area of Project Learning. These two clubs completed award...
