News Releases

senior and junior winners pose with banners
Livestock judging helps youth develop areas of expertise
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed...
Hand holding soil
Dig into Master Gardener training this fall!
Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties- For 47 years, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners have measured success by gardens planted, insects identified, produce harvested, and the millions of hours volunteers have logged by helping others learn to grow....
Family in the kitchen
Promote child independence in the kitchen
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – “As a parent of two kids ages six and nine, I sometimes have to remind myself to stop doing everything for them. Rather it is my job to teach them the important life skills that will set them up for success as they get older and leave the family home,” says Jenna Smith,...
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...
Diabetes Clinic
Learn beyond the basics with Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, IL. – Ever wonder about things like net carbs or glycemic index; are you curious as to what you should do when you are sick? Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, for a lesson that will go beyond the basics of diabetes and will dive deeper into the...
Level 1 champs pose after win
Youth robotics competition builds conservationist mindset
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 4-H Hyrdobot Robotics Competition held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 13...
Diabetes Clinic
Diabetes Clinic to help you snack smart
(Woodford County). –Do you reach for a snack when you’re hungry or is it out of habit? Snacks can be good for us if we make smart choices. Join University of Illinois Extension for their monthly “Diabetes Clinic –Smart Snacking” class from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18 at their new...
Butterfly with water colors
Fly on over to the Butterfly Festival on June 3!
Livingston County-Over 150 different types of butterflies can be found visiting our Illinois backyards and gardens this summer. The most prized of them all, the monarch, is the Illinois state butterfly. Celebrate these magical, fluttering creatures and learn how to support their habitat for...
Let's talk Money image
Take proactive steps to improve overall economic well-being
URBANA, Ill. – In these times, many people feel overwhelmed by financial worries and feel uncomfortable talking about it. Whatever the circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, relieve stress and anxiety and regain control of finances. Gain the financial...
youth holding the harness of a cow
Teens leaders dedicated to feeding a nation
Urbana, Ill. – Eleven Illinois teens have a new way to develop their skills as future leaders that are dedicated to feeding a nation through the Illinois 4-H Livestock Ambassador Team. ...
contest participants pose by signs
Youth excellence shines at 4-H public speaking contest
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 held at...
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...