News Releases

Local foods offer a cornucopia of fresh Thanksgiving options
URBANA, Ill. – When the Thanksgiving table is set this year, check if something is missing. It may be the care that local farmers, ranchers, bakers and cooks put into their work. For four years, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Kelly Allsup has challenged herself to buy mostly...
turkey on table
Smaller turkeys, lower prices on Thanksgiving menu
URBANA, Ill. – As concerns rise over the possible spread of coronavirus during large family gatherings, the expected smaller holiday party size is affecting the food production industry. Smaller guest invites means consumers are looking for smaller whole turkeys on the holiday menu in 2020....
Don't get sick from your holiday turkey
The main centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving celebration may well be the turkey. The honor of carving is often reserved for a special family member. But before carving, the turkey must be cooked, and cooked safely....
Extend the life of urban forests with Urban Tree Conference
URBANA, Ill. – Trees can live hundreds of years, but from pests and diseases to improper care and installation, urban trees are not living as long as their forest counterparts. Many urban trees only live 20% of their life span. Whether you are new to tree care or a seasoned professional...
Illinois Leads U.S. in Pumpkin Production
NASHVILLE, IL, (Nov. 10, 2020) – According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, the majority of pumpkin acres were grown in only ten States, and Illinois is consistently the nation’s largest producer of pumpkins, the majority of which are used for pies and processed foods.    “In Illinois...
Farmdoc Illinois Economic Summit: Farm management guide in difficult times
URBANA, Ill. – The past year has been a year like no other for Illinois agriculture. While the year started optimistically with talks of a surge in agricultural exports resulting from the trade agreement with China, the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the global economy. Most agricultural prices...
Extension program promotes brain health in older adults
URBANA, Ill. – Our brains control important executive functions, such as speaking, thinking, learning, making sound decisions, and remembering. In addition to physical exercise, getting at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep and eating a heart-healthy diet improves brain fitness for...
Explore, learn and grown with Wee Naturalists virtual program
URBANA, Ill. – Nature is a place for children to explore, learn and grow and the new virtual Wee Naturalists program allows for just that. University of Illinois Extension is once again offering nature-loving children, families and educators the opportunity to explore a different nature...
Extension campaign gives tips for reducing diabetes risk
URBANA, Ill. – More than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes; that's one in 10. An additional one in three U.S. adults have prediabetes, and 84% of them do not realize they have it. University of Illinois...
Learn from home with Good Growing Winter Webinars
URBANA, Ill. – From selecting and caring for a Christmas tree to creating a winter haven for birds, the University of Illinois Extension Good Growing Winter Webinar series has seasonally appropriate tips and tricks to keep you informed from the comfort of home this winter. Extension...
Is local wildlife trying to make itself at home in your home?
Falling leaves and dropping temperatures signal prime time for local wildlife invasion. Area wildlife may start to look at your property when seeking a cozy winter home. Attractants like bird seed, warm sheds, and garages might seem appealing. Educator, Laurie George will present “Wildlife at...
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) with yellowing and browning needles attributed to white pine decline. Photo Credit: Travis Cleveland.
When to worry about needle drop on white pine trees
URBANA, Ill. – Like their deciduous maple, oak, and dogwood neighbors, evergreen trees drop some of their foliage in the fall. But needle drop in white pine trees can also be a sign of something more serious. The University of...