Keep deer away from your plants this fall
Deer can wreak havoc on plants during fall and winter months. University of Illinois Extension offers advice to help homeowners reduce damage from deer.
Exclusion
"Fences offer the best way to control deer damage in certain situations; however, large-scale...
Make hitting the hay a priority during harvest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - For many farmers, fall requires long days in the field and little rest. The pressure to harvest as much as possible combined with fatigue and looming deadlines can result increase the risk of potential hazards.
Safety and health of workers, including making time for...
Webinar examines dollar store impact on rural Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. – Dollar stores in rural areas offer convenience and competitively-priced shopping options for rural residents, but their business models do not always lead to long-term community economic health.
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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....
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 National Safety...
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's...
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, routine...
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...
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 to do maybe and...
Save wetlands, use soilless potting mixtures
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Peat wetlands are delicate ecosystems that take thousands of years to form. Peat accumulates at a rate of about 1 millimeter per year. When the peat moss industry harvests 22 centimeters per year, it is easy to see why there is a concern for its sustainability.
Many...
