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Specialty Crops

Blog Posts

mealy bug infestation on a brussel sprout plant leaf
Read article: 2024 Recap: Common pest concerns and how to control them in 2025
2024 Recap: Common pest concerns and how to control them in 2025
Did you have a pest issue in 2024 and did not know how to treat it? Insect pests can cause cosmetic challenges, disease concerns, and edibility...
Read article: Illinois EQIP 2025 application deadline established
Illinois EQIP 2025 application deadline established
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Jan. 23, 2025 —Illinois agricultural and forestry producers who want to address or improve natural resources are encouraged to sign...
fresh fruits and vegetables arranged in rainbow order of color
Read article: Specialty crop insurance for the small farmer
Specialty crop insurance for the small farmer
Did you know that the USDA has a crop insurance policy tailored for the small organic or specialty crop farmer? It is called the Micro Farm policy...
photo of computer monitor and cell phone with lines and boxes on screens
Read article: Food safety education needs assessment survey
Food safety education needs assessment survey
The winter season gives us time to relax a bit and to plan for the next growing season. University of Illinois Extension would like to work with you...

News Releases

Tara Heath staff photo
Tara Heath promoted to Extension crops educator
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - The agriculture industry continues to change rapidly, impacting everyone from the producers to the industry professionals to the food consumers. University of Illinois Extension is growing its team of commercial agriculture educators to provide research-based, unbiased...
An adult assists a young child with smashing a pumpkin at a composting event.
Combat packing landfills by smashing pumpkins with Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Fall is the pumpkin’s time to shine, but what happens when it is time to say goodbye to the short-lived jack-o'-lanterns?With Illinois consistently being the top producer of pumpkins across the country, there are a lot of pumpkins piling up and filling up landfills across...
A tractor pulling participants throughout the field.
Program highlights best practices for southern Illinois growers
EWING, Ill. – For over a century, Ewing Demonstration Center has been a cornerstone of agricultural research and collaboration in southern Illinois. Rooted in a rich history, this center serves as a hub where farmers, agricultural professionals, and University researchers come together to...

Videos

Mushroom Production on Small Farms

Direct market farmers, homesteaders, land-owners, hobby farms, and backyard growers can learn practices to improve production and increase profit.

Growing Shiitake Mushrooms

On this week’s Good Growing podcast we talk with Illinois Extension local foods educator Nick Frillman about growing gourmet shiitake mushrooms in your own backyard. Nick shows us the tools and methods used to turn fresh cut logs of white oak and sugar maple into inoculated “bolts” that will...

Staff