Automated agricultural machinery requires new approaches to ensure safety
URBANA, Ill. — From self-driving tractors to weeding robots and AI-powered data collection, automated machinery is revolutionizing agricultural production. While these technological advancements can greatly improve productivity, they also raise new questions about safety measures and...
Mercer & Rock Island County 4-Hers learn public-speaking skills that last a lifetime.
MILAN, Ill. – Public speaking is an important part of the overall 4-H experience. Several members from Mercer & Rock Island 4-H put their skills to the test during their county’s 4-H Public Speaking Contest, with five members advancing to the Illinois 4-H State Contest held at Parkland...
Tank-mixing herbicides may not be enough to avoid herbicide resistance
URBANA, Ill. — Eight years ago, University of Illinois and USDA-ARS scientists turned weed control on its head. More and more herbicide resistant weeds were popping up, and the pest plants were getting harder to kill. It was clear farmers could no longer rely on the same chemicals year...
Rock Island County 4-H Horse Bowl Team Takes 1st Place at State Competition
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – For the second year in a row, the Rock Island County 4-H Jr. Horse Bowl team took first place at the State Horse Bowl Contest that was held on April 23 at University of Illinois in Champaign. Winning team members were (pictured from left to right): Nick Gorbach, Maddie...
Discover how to increase Illinois pollinators through thoughtful garden design
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are vital to both plant and human life on Earth. In recent years, pollinator populations have declined dramatically, which has prompted an immediate need for their protection and perpetuation on the landscape.
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Take proactive steps to improve overall economic well-being
URBANA, Ill. – In these times, many people feel overwhelmed by financial worries and feel uncomfortable talking about it. Whatever the circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, relieve stress and anxiety and regain control of finances.
Gain the financial...
Youth excellence shines at 4-H public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
IL Extension organizing volunteers for Chippiannock Cemetery Cleanup on May 3
(ROCK ISLAND, Ill.) The tornado that hit Chippiannock Cemetery on April 4 caused incredible damage to the historic trees. Illinois Extension is hosting a clean-up in partnership with the Chippiannock Cemetery Association. With the philosophy of many hands make light work, volunteers are invited...
Plant trees for every season
URBANA, Ill. – In a landscape, trees accomplish multiple tasks, from shading our homes to being a home for wildlife. They do everything from providing food to conserving water as well as contributing to our health and community well-being. As trees provide physical, environmental, and...
Learn 3 ways to can with confidence
UBBANA, Ill. — One of the best ways to preserve food is canning, a home-based method of food preservation that helps people prolong garden harvests, save on food costs, participate in family traditions, and control the quality of the food they eat.
Discover how to can with confidence and...
Bollero named College of ACES dean
URBANA, Ill. – Germán Bollero will be the next dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pending approval...
Mercer County 4-H to hold Swine Clinic April 23
Mercer County 4-H is teaming up with Show-Rite Feeds, Sure-Champ, and VitaCharge to hold a free swine clinic on Sun. April 23 at 2 pm at the Mercer County fairgrounds, Aledo. IL. It will feature a 1-hour overview and product demonstration on the essential products, feed, and everyday animal care...
Youth leaders represent 4-H at Agriculture Legislative Day
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Members of the Youth Leadership Team represented Illinois 4-H at the Agriculture Legislative Day held in Springfield March 29. Agriculture Legislative Day allows farm and agricultural...