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A field of crops, the Morrow Plot, on the U of I campus
Defining the modern ‘land-grant mission’ at ACES
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign often cites its land-grant legacy, but the land-grant university system is not a well-known...
Woman showing gardeners a pollinator garden.
Grow healthier ecosystems at home this pollinator month
URBANA, Ill. — Planting native flowers in a backyard, patio container, or community garden can provide critical food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. This June, in recognition of National Pollinator Month, University of Illinois Extension encourages community members to...
A group of Holstein dairy cattle walking through a flooded barn area
Include Farm Animals in Disaster Preparedness Plan
URBANA — When tornado sirens become frequent and sudden storms appear out of thin air, it becomes apparent there is a need for a disaster preparedness plan for farmers and large animal owners alike. What happens when disaster strikes and a herd of cattle are grazing pasture?Dr. Yvette...
Two people sitting behind a table taking notes and bids at an auction.
Record-high results for 2025 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale
URBANA, Ill. — Strong tradition leads to strong results at the Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The sale held during the Illinois Beef Expo averaged $7,096 on 33 lots, reaching an all-time record-high average for...
What to know about avian flu in wild birds, poultry, and pets in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — The nationwide spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, HPAI, also known as avian or bird flu, has many in Illinois concerned about livestock, pets, wildlife, food safety, and public health.HPAI is an extremely contagious and frequently deadly respiratory disease for...

The Cattle Connection

people looking at beef cows
What is your ideal cow?
Herd rebuilding talks and a focus on shifting the beef cattle genetics conversation back to the cow, have more people asking questions about what...
cows grazing a cover crop
Cattle and crops create synergy
Synergy describes two separate systems that when combined, yield more than the sum of the individual systems when they are alone. In my experience,...
A group of black and white Simmental cattle standing in a pasture on a cloudy day.
Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
The annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The meeting will be held at the new Ag Sciences...
cattle drinking from an automatic waterer
What is the best way to feed cattle mineral?
Most cattlemen know that minerals are important and feed them in some way to...
cows and calves on pasture
Hidden benefits of rotational grazing beyond soil health
We all want a future where the land continues to be productive and supportive of agriculture. And as cattle producers, you’ve probably heard about...
calf swatting flies away
Preventing Problems: Pests, Parasites, & Pet-Related Risks
Warm summer temperatures create the perfect environment for challenges from insects and internal and external parasites to transpire. Pets spending...
fireworks over a barn
Can fireworks cause stress on beef cattle?
You’re pulling back into your driveway after a night spent watching the fireworks and celebrating independence. Then, you see pairs of eyes staring...
Hay in a barn
Should I buy hay or grow my own hay?
While cost is the primary factor, there are several reasons to choose buying hay or growing it.Buy HayLimited land resources to use for hay...
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