Illinois Extension welcomes new Commercial Agriculture Educator
LINCOLN, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is pleased to welcome Reagen Tibbs as the new Commercial Agriculture Educator serving Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties.
“Many in our ag community have expressed a great need for Extension services and access to non-biased research...
Youth livestock skillathon showcases future leaders of ag
Urbana, Ill. — Seventy 4-H youth participated in the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon held in the Stock Pavilion on University of Illinois campus on Nov. 4. Participants went through the contest and then participated in a learning workshop to better prepare for next year’s contests in the summer...
Keep growing with herbs indoors this fall, winter
URBANA, Ill. — Just because days are shorter and colder and the outdoor gardening days are over, that doesn't mean growing must come to an end. Indoor green houseplants are an option, so add some herbs to the mix this fall and winter.
Whether growing indoors or outdoors, plants still...
Stay alert for deer behind the wheel in fall
URBANA, Ill. — Deer are more active in the fall and drivers should be cautious when traveling after dark. While accidents can happen at any time of year, most deer-vehicle incidents occur between dusk and dawn during the months of October, November, and December. Drivers should slow down...
Learn hunting, wildlife and outdoor skills with 4-H
LINCOLN, Ill. – Local youth can learn hunting and outdoor skills during a workshop with the 4-H Shooting Sports program in Logan County. The event is 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 in Beason.
The Logan County 4-H outdoor skills and shooting sports programs help youth get outdoors,...
Consider pollinators during fall garden cleanup
URBANA, Ill. — Pollinators are important to the global food supply and local ecosystems. About 35% of food crops rely on pollinators for production, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meaning without pollinators, there would be no food. If you have enjoyed an apple this fall or a...
Report spotted lanternflies in Illinois to help slow the spread of invasive pest
URBANA, Ill. — The invasive insect spotted lanternfly has been found in Illinois for the first time. Residents are being warned to watch out for and report sightings of this pest which can damage trees. Experts confirmed a population of the pests in Cook County on September 18 according to a...
Local youth program offers a place where kids can belong, lead, learn
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – 4-H members in Illinois will join 6 million youth across the country in celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 1-7. Clubs around Illinois celebrate this week by highlighting the remarkable 4‑H youth in their communities and showcasing the incredible experiences that 4‑H...
Tips for extending the garden’s growing season
URBANA, Ill. — Harvest season in a vegetable garden doesn’t have to end so soon. Stretch growth with techniques that extend the typical growing season past the point where crops would normally be grown outdoors.
Protection from frosts can happen at either end of the growing season. A...
Butterflies can eat to live, live to eat in a balanced garden
URBANA, Ill. — A favorite thing about visiting gardens in the summer is catching sight of a butterfly enjoying nectar from a brightly colored zinnia or a monarch caterpillar munching on a milkweed leaf. When designing a butterfly garden, expand and balance plant selection to provide more than...
Field Day event plans to keep beef cattle producers up on trends for their herds
URBANA, Ill. — Beef cattle producers will gain insights and stay up to date on current research from cow/calf patterns to alternative forages and more at the Orr Beef Research Center's Field Day on September 6. The meeting will be held at the John Wood Community College Ag Center located...
Abe Lincoln 4-H Shooters holds archery exhibition
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Abe Lincoln Shooters 4-H currently offers the shooting discipline of archery. The Sangamon County program is guided by a Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator. The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program is part of the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program which sets the...
Build drought-tolerant gardens this fall for next summer’s blooms
URBANA, Ill. — Many Illinois gardens are entering the fall stressed from the lack of summer rains combined with scorching hot temperatures. These conditions easily stress some plants; however, many plants quickly adapt to hot, dry conditions. Drought-tolerant plants are not only tough and...
Local 4-H scholarships awarded
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Local 4-H members were recently awarded scholarships in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in 4-H, in their schools, and in their communities.
The Logan County 4-H Foundation presented 4 scholarships:
Clay Aylesworth (Mt. Pulaski)...
Build privacy with plants for secret gardens
URBANA, Ill. — Plants serve a lot of purposes in the landscape. One of which is to add some privacy. Screening plants can help define and give purpose to a space. Homeowners may wish to screen a particular area or transparency in the landscape, creating interest in what lies beyond. ...
Illinois Extension investing in the future of farming across the state
URBANA, Ill. — Helping Illinois farmers grow thriving crops and livestock has always been at the heart of University of Illinois Extension’s mission. Using feedback received from farmers and other agricultural stakeholders through a 2022 survey,...
Extraordinary 4-H volunteers honored
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois 4-H empower and prepare youth for success as the program relies on its more than 6,000 volunteers to fill key leadership and mentoring roles. Fifty-three volunteers were recently honored by Illinois 4-H for their selfless dedication to the University of Illinois...
Local 4-H members earn awards at Illinois State Fair
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – 4-H members from Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counites earned special awards for their project exhibits at the 2023 Illinois State Fair. Seventy-nine local 4-H’ers exhibited their project work alongside 4-H’ers from across the state in the Orr Building on Friday, August 11....
