News Releases

Josie Rudolphi, agricultural and biological engineering professor, is conducting a five-year study on the mental health of agricultural adolescents and adults. Photo by Fred Zwicky.
Farm stressors affect mental health of adults and adolescent children
URBANA, Ill. — Agriculture is a stressful occupation, and farmers face substantial mental health challenges. Research indicates they often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, but less is known about the effects on their families. A...
A bunch of yellow sunflowers
Take a break from the summer heat: Enjoy Four Seasons Gardening series
URBANA, Ill. — Summer is a time of growth and exploration. While spring-planted flowers and vegetables are growing, take a break between waterings to learn something new from the vast world of gardening.  Explore the global impact of sunflowers, discover summer-blooming trees, and learn...
weather map showing drought conditions across Illinois
Illinois at increased risk of drought conditions
Parts of northeast, western, and central Illinois have been much drier than normal in the past four to six weeks, causing dry soils and lower streamflow. Perennials, gardens, and young trees in these areas have begun to show some response to the dryness, requiring more frequent watering than...
bowl of grapes and berries and hands holding a star cookie cutter behind the words "summer fun with 4-H!"
Free summer activities provided by 4-H
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Try something new and learn new skills during fun summer activities provided by 4-H in Logan, Menard and Sangamon counties. All programs are free and are open to local 4-H members as well as non-members. “4-H camps are about making friends, enjoying new experiences,...
Red automated tractor driving through roadway near field.
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 regulations...
two rows of glass jars with vegetables
Can food safely with free dial-gauge test from Illinois Extension
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Home gardeners can enjoy fresh food throughout the year by canning their produce; but over time, the needle on a dial-gauge pressure canner can become inaccurate. If the dial-gauge is not measuring the correct pressure, foods inside the pressure canner may be under-processed...
Invasive Maackii fruit plant with text overlay reading Illinois Invasive Species Symposium
Symposium offers 9 sessions on understanding and controlling invasive species
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to beautiful wild spaces, but invasive species are a growing threat in our forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and natural ecosystems and cost the country billions of dollars to combat....
Backyard landscape filled with green grass, plants, flowers, and a tree.
Make time to be inspired by nature's lessons
URBANA, Ill. — Spending time in nature allows people to take in the world around them. In today's busy world, learning how to hit pause to take lessons from nature and explore the benefits of outdoor activities is vital. University of Illinois Extension...
2 4-H members standing next to a table with a display about Mexico
4-H youth celebrate global citizenship at International Night
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – 4-H’ers shared knowledge about cultures from around the world during the 2023 Logan/Menard/Sangamon 4-H International Night, which was held on Monday, April 17, at the Sangamon Extension Office in Springfield. “You could make your own Chinese lantern, learn how to...
Canned tomatoes
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...
4-H volunteer talks with a member about his project exhibit
Volunteers' passion helps to grow the next generation of leaders
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Volunteers play a vital role in supporting 4-H youth clubs and programming. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H youth development program in Logan, Menard and Sangamon Counties honors their 63 local volunteer club leaders during National Volunteer Week, April 16-22....
4 youth using shovels to plant a small tree
Athens High School is home to an oak tree savanna
ATHENS, Ill. – Athens High School CUSD 213 in Menard County is now home to an oak tree savanna thanks to local youth and community members. The group of 25 oak trees, called a savanna, will bring new life to oak-hickory forests currently under threat in Illinois. The 4-H Green...
two guinea pigs eating carrots
Fur, Fin & Feather Small Pets 4-H SPIN Club
All 8-18 years olds are welcome to join 4-H for six weeks of fun with pets! We'll learn about basic pet care or how to choose a pet and careers in the pet industry. Get ready for games and sharing of your pets if you already have one during the first virtual session on Thursday, May 4, 2023,...
Germán Bollero
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 by the University...
girl holding a certificate
Local 4-H members earn state scholarships
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held April 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. Forty-five young adults were chosen as scholarship winners with each winner receiving a $1,000 scholarship from the...