Care of fresh-cut flowers
URBANA, Ill. – Flowers are a great way to celebrate a special occasion, such as a holiday, birthday, anniversary, or a new baby. "Of course, you don't need a special occasion to enjoy fresh-cut flowers or a flowering potted plant," says Jennifer Fishburn, a University of Illinois horticulture...
Help your peonies shine this spring
URBANA, Ill. – Herbaceous peonies are a common sight in many gardens and are some of the most beautiful flowers you will find, says Ken Johnson, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Herbaceous or garden peonies belong to the genus Paeonia, which is native to Asia,...
2019 All-America Selection winners
URBANA, Ill. – Fluctuating weather patterns over the past few months have brought snow and rain, warmth and dangerously cold temperatures, ice and now flooding in parts of the state. These weather patterns can have an impact on our mental states, giving us the winter blues. The joy of garden...
Understanding and reversing winter damage to evergreens
URBANA, Ill. – Evergreen plants, which retain their leaves throughout the seasons, are some of the showstoppers of the winter garden, providing some much-needed color in otherwise bleak winter landscapes. Although evergreens do go into dormancy during winter, their foliage is subject to extreme...
Plan your vegetable garden early
URBANA, Ill. – If you're itching for homegrown tomatoes this year, now is the perfect time to plan your vegetable garden. "Growing your own vegetables is a great way to save money at the grocery store, get some exercise, and teach kids where their produce comes from," says Gemini Bhalsod, a...
Court ruling requires some livestock and poultry farmers to report emissions by November 15
Livestock and poultry farmers may have until November 15 to notify public agencies if their facilities are likely to be responsible for a daily emission of over 100 lb. of either ammonia or hydrogen sulfide. This upcoming deadline is a result of an appeals court ruling that requires EPA...
Fall Flowers
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Fall has arrived with it cooler temperatures. There is so much beauty to see in the outdoors this time of year. Most of us think about fall beauty coming in the form of leaves turning. The bright explosion of color from trees changing colors is not the only...
Financial Coaching: A Nationwide Trend and a Local Story
“Where can I receive help with my money management?” is a question that I hear regularly. Many financial professionals, with different credentials and approaches, assist people with investing decisions but historically not many help with personal financial goals related to managing daily...
Four Quick Tips for Keeping the Kitchen Safe
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate every year 1 in 6 Americans becomes sick from food. Although the number of people getting sick from foodborne illness may be much higher. Lisa Peterson, Nutrition & Wellness Educator with University of...
On-Farm Readiness Reviews - Illinois
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The On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) is a voluntary assessment used to familiarize Illinois farmers with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. This program provides an opportunity for farmers to discuss areas of...
The Emerald Ash Borer Dilemma comes to Woodford County
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EUREKA, Ill. – This infamous pest, among other means, has spread by transporting firewood across Illinois, killing millions of Ash trees in the last few years. “With the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Woodford County, homeowners and city officials must...
Adding Flavor to Grilling Season with Marinades
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The warm weather has pushed its way into Illinois and it’s the ideal time to fire up the grill while spending time with family and friends. Whether grilling fruit, meat, chicken, seafood, or vegetables, it is essential to monitor the grill, use separate serving...
Farm Ponds, Fish kills and Oxygen
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By Duane Friend
University of Illinois Extension Educator
Energy & Environmental Stewardship
Thousands of farm ponds dot the landscape across rural Illinois. They are scenic, functional, and affected by environmental factors,...