Mobile app supports youth development on the go
Teachable moments come in all shapes and sizes. Now, when those unexpected moments occur, parents and educators can rely on the new Terrific Teachable Moments mobile app to help them take advantage in convenient and meaningful ways....
A Miniature Farm with Big Goals
It may have started with wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, but in less than two years, Big Miniature Farms in rural Mt. Carroll, Ill., has grown from a small home garden into a USDA Specialty Grower and Farm. Big Miniature Farms made their debut at the Mt. Carroll Farmers Market in 2019...
Top speakers compete in virtual 4-H state contest
URBANA, Ill. – This summer was different than past summers for Jordi Oliver. The 18-year-old Massac County 4-H member would typically fill her summer days with feeding, fitting, and showing cattle. Show mornings would start with hot coffee and walks from the tie-outs. While fewer days started by...
In a summer of change, 4-H members focus on what matters most
URBANA, Ill. – In May, Jenna Wheeler and her family had a big decision to make. With a barn full of show pigs and goats bound for the summer showring, and a cascade of cancellations due to coronavirus pandemic, what should the family do?
Raising livestock is expensive, but some of those...
National 4-H Week perfect time to register as alum
URBANA, Ill. – Each year, 4-H members across the nation celebrate National 4-H Week, joining 6 million other 4-H members of the country’s premiere youth development program. This year, the celebration runs Oct. 4 to 10.
University of Illinois...
Take steps to prevent farm grain bin accidents
DECATUR, Ill. – Grain bin accidents happen quickly. In a matter of seconds, anyone can be suffocated by moving grain. Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations, according to the...
Practical tips to manage your diabetes
URBANA, Ill. – For the millions of Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes, adopting a healthy lifestyle is critical in managing the disease for improved quality of life. ...
Prevent combine fires this harvest
URBANA, Ill. – Combine fires are one of the most common and expensive types of fire incidents in production agriculture. They can also cause substantial setback during harvest.
"Combine fires often start behind the operator...
Make your 2020 harvest your safest one yet
URBANA, Ill. – 2020 has had its own unique set of challenges, but harvest doesn't have to be one of them. University of Illinois Extension offers these tips for a safe harvest.
Perform routine machinery upkeep ahead of schedule.
When the season gets busy,...
Explore small business export options during free Extension webinar
URBANA, Ill. – Selling abroad can be intimidating, but may be just the boost small businesses facing lasting financial challenges need.
University of Illinois Extension is co-hosting a free online webinar covering the fundamentals and benefits of exporting. Local, state, and federal...
How ponds can save a home: Dry hydrants and rural fire protection
URBANA, Ill, – Duane Friend grew up on a farm and knows the devastation rural fires can have on structures. Lack of nearby water supplies increased the danger of total structure losses. House or barn fires often...
Small lawn tasks now may mean beautiful lawns next spring
KANKAKEE, Ill. – Fall is the perfect time to repair any lawn damage. As lawns go dormant, a few simple techniques may make the difference for beautiful spring lawns, says James Theuri, University of Illinois Extension educator.
"Fall weather means there is less watering...
Surviving disaster includes using home generators safely
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hurricane Laura left many residents without power. Though the immediate danger has passed, deaths linked to improper use or installation of generators are still being reported. Portable or permanent standby generators are used in millions of homes and...