News Releases

Local News Releases
Local News Releases
A group of adults sharing
Learn practical tips for a fulfilling aging experience
URBANA, Ill. — Aging brings challenges that affect physical, mental, and social well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for older adults.University of...
Purple background with gradient, Master Gardener logo, and "2024 Illinois Master Gardener State Conference" text.
Volunteers grow together during annual Illinois Master Gardener Conference
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — From rural farms and small towns to bustling suburbs, over 2,300 dedicated volunteers across Illinois are committed to gardening education and community outreach. While they typically help others learn to grow, Master Gardener volunteers will grow together during the 2024...
Two split images with a person researching in a greenhouse on left and orange pumpkin on right.
Pumpkin disease not evolving, could make a difference for management
URBANA, Ill. — The pathogen that causes bacterial spot is very good at what it does. Forming small lesions on the rinds of pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, it mars the fruits’ appearance and ushers in secondary pathogens that lead to rot and severe yield loss. The bacterium,...
A person flying a drone above a herd of beef cattle standing in a pasture for grazing management.
Explore cutting-edge agricultural technology with I-FARM Learning Series
URBANA, Ill. — Identifying on-farm needs to increase efficiency, safety, practicality, and overall profitability is where ideas for adapting technology begin. From there, advancing technology for productivity and sustainability seems to be more within reach in a changing agricultural landscape....
A pile of specialty decor pumpkins of a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Explore commercial pumpkin production at Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — As Illinois ranks number one in both pumpkin production and processing, it provides a great opportunity to bring together growers, producers, and those who love talking pumpkins.University of Illinois Extension can help kick off...
A hand scrubbing a non-stick pan
Take steps to reduce exposure to PFAS chemicals
URBANA, Ill. — PFAS are chemicals commonly found in consumer goods that are making their way into drinking water supplies where they are a risk to human health, but there are steps people can take to protect themselves.PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of more than 15...
Produce pop up
Palomares Social Justice Center Launches Weekly Produce Pop-Ups
Rock Island, Illinois — The Palomares Social Justice Center is pleased to announce the launch of its weekly Produce Pop-Ups at St. John's Lutheran Church. Starting this Sunday, June 30, from 4-5:30 pm (or until produce runs out), community members are invited to join them for an...
High senior individuals pose with banners.
Youth master essential skills through livestock judging competition
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2024 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 17. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a...
Take care of your trees with summer Forestry Stewardship Series
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois has 4.8 million acres of tree-covered land. From shading homes and feeding wildlife to producing oxygen and filtering water, trees do a lot of heavy lifting. Give them a hand by discovering innovative, research-based management options in the summer Forestry...