News Releases

New program addresses issues of health access, understanding for Illinois residents
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – As families around the world lived through the rise and spread of COVID-19, countless Illinois communities faced a frightening reality: they were not equipped to mount the complex public health response the situation required. Many community leaders, medical centers, and...

Healthy forests start with single tree, hands-on landowners
URBANA, Ill. – The forests of Illinois are diverse, whether it’s a backyard with a few tall trees kids play under, an acre for firewood that is also home to deer and other wildlife, or a timber stand that will eventually be harvested and sold. Just in time for spring, the Illinois...

Illinois 4-H staff evaluate options for summer 2021 exhibitions
URBNA, Ill. – In 2020, more than 400 Illinois 4-H competitive events, exhibitions, and shows went virtual, providing a positive youth development experience while protecting our members, volunteers, and staff. While the 2021 4-H...

Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale has near-record year; averages $4,396
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Coles County gets $106,000 grant for Embarras River project
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District will receive over $106,000 in grant funding to update portions of the 2011 Embarras River Watershed Management Plan. The grants, provided by the Illinois Environmental...

Birds, bees need growers' help to keep pollinating
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Keep houseplants happy with simple solutions
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Winter Snow Shoveling Provides Opportunities for Quad Citizens to be Snow Heroes
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Illinois Extension has online and in-person options for Private Pesticide Safety Education Testing
GALVA, Ill. University of Illinois Extension has an online option for PSEP training and testing of multiple subjects and an in-person test only for general standards. Here are the details of both. For online testing, visit Illinois Extension’s PSEP website...

Community gains support with new Extension family life educator
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Summer 4-H conference lets teens virtually explore potential careers
URBANA, Ill. ­– For many teens, deciding where they want to attend college and what they may want to study is challenging. Some may even be the first in their family to attend college. Illinois 4-H makes college and career exploration...

Illinois Extension & Rock Island Public Library offer free online series: Vegetable Gardening Made Easy
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Hemp research a win-win for new Midwestern crop
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...

Addressing racial injustice and disparities focus of new Illinois 4-H initiative
URBANA, Ill. – As the nation grappled with issues of social justice and racial equity, Illinois 4-H leadership intensified their commitment to understanding the experiences of staff, volunteers, and students in these specific areas. To create an...

Vulture attacks eat away income for livestock producers
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Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales. Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...

Illinois Extension’s I Made That! Cooking Education Kits helps youth build their nutrition and cooking skills
(MILAN, Ill.) University of Illinois Extension and 4-H have a fun opportunity for youth ages 8 and older to enhance their cooking skills this March for National Nutrition Month. ‘When it comes to nutrition and health, the more you know, the better you can be at taking care of yourself and those...

Small, but mighty microgreens are easy to grow indoors
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Stay safe on the farm this planting season
URBANA, Ill. – Spring is characterized by a fury of activity on farms. In the rush to get crops in the ground, farmers may not have safety and health as a priority.  Learn how to prevent common farm injuries and illness during this critical time at a free online webinar by...

Don't be fooled by thin ice
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