When natural curiosity takes root, Illinois communities thrive
The word “community” is often used to describe both people and nature, and for good reason. Each are groups of individuals sharing a space as they live and grow. It’s in this same spirit of collective...
Get to know Illinois grasses in summer plant identification series
URBANA, Ill. — Grasses play a big role in natural ecosystems — from controlling soil erosion to supporting pollinators to providing food for livestock — but telling one from another isn’t always easy. This summer,...
New webinar series empowers Illinois communities with trusted health expertise
URBANA, Ill. — Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever. That’s why educators, researchers, and community partners are collaborating to...
Illinois 4-H youth earns national recognition for excellence in livestock education
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H member Molly McCalla of Madison County has been awarded a $2,500 Youth for the Quality Care of Animals scholarship in recognition of her commitment to animal care, leadership, and agricultural education.McCalla was one of 12 students selected nationwide to...
How farmers respond to climate-related risk
URBANA, Ill. — As climate change increases the frequency of drought, excessive rainfall, and other extreme weather events, farmers face growing uncertainty about crop production. Understanding how farmers perceive and respond to that uncertainty can help improve agricultural...
ACES Agronomy Days series returns to University of Illinois
With summer just around the corner, Agronomy Days will soon return to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The season-long series teaches Illinois growers the latest...
Explore key benefits, challenges of using agricultural drones at Illinois Extension field day
URBANA, Ill. — Technology continues to advance and modernize today’s farming practices. Drone use in farming has gained steady traction and interest, particularly in the application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.Attendees can learn more at a field-...
Bond County 4-H Announces Summer Youth Workshops in Photography and Cooking
Youth across the county are invited to build new skills and gain hands-on experience through two exciting upcoming 4-H educational programs: a Livestock Photography Workshop and 4-H Cooking 101 class.The Livestock Photography Workshop will be led by Maggie Goodson of MJ Imaging. This...
4-H Cooking 101 to Build Kitchen Skills and Confidence in Youth
Designed for young people new to cooking and baking, 4-H Cooking 101 offers an engaging introduction to essential kitchen skills in a fun, supportive environment. The program helps youth develop confidence while learning the basics of food preparation, kitchen safety, and nutrition.The...
Novel Illinois weed species, Asian copperleaf, identified in northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Corn and soybean farmers should be scouting for a new weed this upcoming growing season. According to University of Illinois crop experts, Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) was identified in a field in Stephenson County in...
From judging to food systems: 4-H youth build real-world skills at poultry contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their poultry evaluation skills during the 2026 Illinois 4-H Poultry Judging Contest held April 28 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.The annual contest provides youth with hands-on experience...
Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference builds confidence, leadership skills in young teens
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Nearly 90 seventh and eighth-grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2026 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) held March 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. This event is planned and hosted by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team....
Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
