Illinois 4-H youth showcase equine expertise in statewide contests
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth from across the state demonstrated their knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the equine industry during the 2026 State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Speaking contests, held April 13 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. These...
Illinois 4-H members bring youth voice to federal leaders in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Illinois 4-H youth joined delegates from across the country for the 2026 National 4-H Conference, held April 10-15, where they engaged in roundtable discussions and presented directly to federal partner agencies. Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’...
Celebrate spring’s arrival with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — Springtime brings visions of beautiful butterfly gardens and dreams of delicious vegetable varieties growing in a garden or porch pots outside the window.Garden planning and the countdown to a new growing season continue with two new webinars...
Illinois Extension launches Spring Wellness Workshop Series in McLean County
Bloomington, Ill.-Spring is the season for renewal— and University of Illinois Extension is helping greater Bloomington-Normal area residents reconnect, recharge, and grow with a new four‑week workshop series that offers simple, meaningful ways to strengthen personal and...
Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...
Plant a tree in Woodford County, help the planet
Carlock, Ill. – Woodford County is looking for volunteers to help with planting a grouping of 25 oak trees at Parklands Chinquapin Bluffs in Woodford County with the goal of tackling global issues at the local level. Carbon neutrality...
2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale returns record-high results
URBANA, Ill. — Strong results continue at the 2026 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale held on Feb. 19 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. The sale averaged $7,284 on 37 lots, setting an all-time record high average for the sale."The...
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign receives 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
CHAMPAIGN, Ill.— University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been awarded the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a national distinction that recognizes higher education institutions demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to community engagement. Illinois previously received...
Grow, Learn, and Discover at “A Day in the Garden Patch”
PONTIAC, Ill. – Gardening doesn’t have to be stressful. It offers a meaningful way to stay active, enhance the beauty of our communities, and support a healthier environment. It is perfectly okay if a plant doesn’t thrive or if a garden isn’t ...
Illinois 4-H horse judging contest crowns top youth competitors
GALVA, Ill. — Youth from 29 counties across Illinois participated in the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 1, at Black Hawk College East Campus in Galva.Shelby Krutke of McLean County earned the Larry Carls Memorial Award as the contest’s overall high point individual...
Unity Cupboard Strengthens Local Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity
Normal, IL — Food insecurity continues to impact families across our community, and Unity Cupboard is stepping up to provide hope and nourishment to those in need. “At this crucial moment when federal safety net programs are becoming harder to access, more of our...
Discover practical tools for a healthy, inspiring life
URBANA, Ill. — As people age, they face various challenges affecting their cognitive abilities, social participation, and overall health. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that includes healthcare, social support, and financial planning to ensure a dignified and...
Join the party at Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. — Come and have some fun at the last Diabetes Clinic for the year! Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Jenna Smith for a festive holiday party filled with fun and learning! Enjoy delicious appetizers, engage in an interactive educational game, and...
University of Illinois Extension responds to rising food access needs
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is responding to increased demand for food assistance amid the ongoing government shutdown and SNAP benefit disruptions. Publicly available resources are being shared by Extension to help Illinois...
