News Releases

Funk Farms Offices
College of ACES celebrates Funk Farm's bicentennial
URBANA, Ill. — The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will take part in the 200th-anniversary celebration of Funk Farms, one of the oldest and most...
High senior individuals pose with banners.
Youth master essential skills through livestock judging competition
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2024 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus Jun. 17. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a...
Arthritis
Improve your joint health with Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, IL. – Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of the joints, which leads to pain and stiffness that typically worsen with age. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to learn how certain lifestyle changes could help improve your...
Teen leaders gaze at House floor.
Teen leaders showcase leadership, speaking skills at State Capitol
Springfield, IL – Nearly 40 Illinois 4-H teens put their leadership skills to the test as they communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on Feb. 7 and 8, and May 16 and 17. 4-H Legislative...
Jam
Hands-On Canning class coming to Bloomington-Normal
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Whether you’re a first-time canner or a canning veteran looking to brush up on your skills, “Learn to Can: Jellies and Jam” is the perfect class for you. Taught by University of Illinois Extension educator, Jenna Smith, this class will meet on June 8 from 9...
Winners pose with ribbons.
Youth robotics competition revolves around work of ag scientists, engineers
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Youth from 30 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2024 4-H Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 4....
Butterfly
Fly on over to the Butterfly Festival on June 1
 This summer, our Illinois backyards and gardens will play host to over 150 distinct butterfly species. Among them reigns the monarch, cherished as Illinois' state butterfly. Embrace the enchantment of these delicate creatures and discover ways to nurture their habitats for continued...
prairie
Becoming a Master Naturalist
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Do you find yourself deeply enjoying the outdoors, bird watching, growing native plants, or wishing you knew more about sustainability?  This fall the University of Illinois Extension serving McLean, Livingston, and Woodford counties, will be offering...
Light bulb
Energy & Our Environment for Youth
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Calling all young environmental enthusiasts! The University of Illinois Extension Office in McLean County is thrilled to announce Energy & Our Environment, a captivating three-day summer program tailored for ages 9 to 13, focused on the fascinating...
Winners pose by a backdrop.
4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. –  4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Person driving a tractor without a cab on a rural road.
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide. Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Food handler
Certified Food Protection Manager Course coming to Eureka
EUREKA, Ill. – Illinois regulations require food establishments to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. University of Illinois Extension offers the Food Protection Manager Certification course and examination, which is required every 5 years....
smiles
Keep Your Teeth Healthy with Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. – Want to learn how to maintain a healthy and beautiful looking smile? Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to learn how diabetes and nutrition impact oral health and the important steps you should take with your diabetes...
Recent quarter-sized holes in the soil made by periodical cicadas
Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming
If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence. “Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for...
Healthy Diet
Diabetes Clinic is going back to the basics with Diet
EUREKA, Ill. – Following a healthy meal plan can help keep blood sugars under control. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have had diabetes for years, it’s time to get back to the basics! Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to review what carbohydrates are...
Gardens
Grow and give back through the Giving Garden program
Bloomington, IL – Healthy communities grow with community support. Let the harvest of your garden contribute to the health of your community this summer. Offering garden vegetables is a source of food that ensures a neighbor facing food insecurity has access to fresh produce. An arrangement of...
pressure canner tested
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year. Various...