News Releases

Environmental webinars explore owls, native shade gardens
URBANA, Ill. – Peer into the natural world during two University of Illinois Extension webinars. The free, online webinars explore ways humans can have positive impacts on the environment. The first webinar begins at 1 p.m. CDT on April 8. Extension Educator ...
Volunteers help youth feel welcomed, empowered in 4-H programming
URBANA, Ill. ­– Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports relies heavily on adult volunteers taking the lead in the various disciplines, ultimately making the county program successful. Registration is open for two statewide Shooting Sports Leader Certification sessions on June 5 and July 24. The...
Healthy forests start with single tree, hands-on landowners
URBANA, Ill. – The forests of Illinois are diverse, whether it’s a backyard with a few tall trees kids play under, an acre for firewood that is also home to deer and other wildlife, or a timber stand that will eventually be harvested and sold. Just in time for spring, the Illinois...
Illinois youth come to the table on food insecurity
URBANA, Ill.— Local solutions to food access, food security, and food justice in Illinois will be developed by youth leaders and industry experts Illinois 4-H Food Action Summit.  The virtual conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 15.  University of Illinois researchers,...
Illinois 4-H staff evaluate options for summer 2021 exhibitions
URBNA, Ill. – In 2020, more than 400 Illinois 4-H competitive events, exhibitions, and shows went virtual, providing a positive youth development experience while protecting our members, volunteers, and staff. While the 2021 4-H exhibition season...
$10,000 prize awaits top ag innovator
URBANA, Ill – Innovation is the heart of Illinois agriculture. A $10,000 Glen Brandt Prize for Ag Entrepreneurism award will be given to one winner who exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit and advances innovation through their business practices.  Glen "GB" Brandt, along with his sister...
hemp field
Hemp research a win-win for new Midwestern crop
URBANA, Ill. – Industrial hemp is one of the fasting growing crops across Midwestern fields and researchers are recruiting producers in the race to learn more.  University of Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educators are working...
Follow cottage food laws when selling at farmers markets
URBANA, Ill – Have you considered selling your homemade foods at a farmers market? Basic guidelines outline what growers and vendors must observe in preparation for farmers market sales. Cottage food operations can be a simple way to generate income from home. The...