Blog Posts

clean pesticide containers ready for recycling
Read article: 2025 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule
2025 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced the single-day collection sites and dates for the 2025 Pesticide Container Recycling Program....
hands typing on a laptop
Read article: Taking a pesticide exam online soon? See these new equipment requirements first
Taking a pesticide exam online soon? See these new equipment requirements first
Illinois pesticide applicators and operators, if you have previously taken an Illinois Department of Agriculture online exam, you may already be...
Phytobac system
Read article: Phytobac™ breaks down spray tank residues
Phytobac™ breaks down spray tank residues
Private applicators have a novel way to handle spray tank residues when cleaning agricultural machinery and spraying equipment that was presented at...
containers ready for recycling
Read article: Container recycling and the ACRC
Container recycling and the ACRC
Recently, I participated in The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance’s 25th annual conference. The Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC) had an exhibitor...

News Releases

sprayer in the field spraying mist
Understanding the EPA’s final herbicide strategy
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - In August 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a new herbicide strategy aimed at better aligning with the Endangered Species Act. This new strategy will alter pesticide labels by adding extra mitigation measures that seek to reduce pesticide exposure to over...
Sprayer driving through field
Pesticide applicator tests to be offered in winter 2025
OGLESBY, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties is offering the following testing-only sessions and certification program for pesticide applicators.  Certification is required to apply restricted-use pesticides. All sessions are offered...

Videos

Tips for Pollinators and Favorite Plants

We give helpful tips for helping out pollinators plus our favorite pollinator plants. Plus, tons of resources if you’re looking to include pollinator habitat in your landscape.

  • 0:26 - Hi Katie!
  • ...
Invasive Garlic Mustard Research Update for Land Managers

Garlic mustard is a high-priority invasive plant that harms native forest ecosystems in Illinois. Researchers from University of Illinois and University of Wisconsin collaborated to test at what growth stage herbicides can be used on garlic mustard and still stop the plants from producing viable...

Staff