December 2025

An ambassador shows younger members spices.

Illinois 4-H livestock contest teaches decision making, adaptability

November 18, 2025

URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth demonstrated their livestock knowledge during the 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, held Saturday, Nov. 8, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Stock Pavilion.Youth ages 8–18 competed in junior, intermediate, and senior divisions, completing a series of written quizzes, identification challenges, and evaluation exercises...

Blog articles

How long do holiday leftovers really last?

November 21, 2025

Live Well. Eat Well.

“How long has this turkey been in the fridge?” “Are these mashed potatoes still good?” “Will this stuffing last until Christmas?”These are common questions you might hear echoing from the kitchen after the holidays. Sharing food with family and friends makes great memories, but no one wants to...

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Unwanted wintertime house guests

November 23, 2025

The Garden Scoop

Insects are a celebrated part of our natural ecosystems, but when they enter our homes, it’s rarely anything to celebrate. Each fall, as cold weather closes in, there are a few usual suspects that surface at my house to cause a hubbub. However, these exotic houseguests are rarely a serious...

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News releases

November 18, 2025

One-day crops conference offers latest research on fertility, corn hybrids, and disease management
COVINGTON, In. - Area farmers and agricultural professionals are invited to attend a one-day crops conference featuring leading experts from Illinois and Indiana who will share the latest research and management strategies to improve crop production and profitability. The conference will be held...

Side view of a person reaching towards an apple hanging from a tree branch

November 22, 2025

Illinois Extension offers legal series to empower farmers to strengthen, safeguard operations
URBANA, Ill. — In times of uncertainty, protecting your livelihood and assets is essential. Each farm and farm family has a unique experience and specific needs, but the success of Illinois farmers is vital for everyone in our state.“With the converging crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,...

a gray and yellow songbird perched on a branch

November 4, 2025

Lost or leading the way? Rare birds may signal shifting migration routes
On a 2009 hike in the Huachuca Mountains of southeastern Arizona, a group of birders heard an otherworldly, ethereal bird song floating, flute-like, through the canyon. The hikers identified the singer as a brown-backed solitaire, recognizing...

October 30, 2025

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...

Janet Moody holds up a paper sign that reads ""When life make it hard to feed your family, Illinois Extension is here. I help you find healthier, less expensive options!"

December 1, 2025

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Janet Moody
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.  This month's spotlight follows...

Events

View into a small field with green, growing specialty crops in rows

December 9, 2025

Nonprofit Business Structure Basics
A farm's setup can significantly impact its daily operation and profitability. Farmers don't just grow food because they enjoy it; they farm to provide their community with good food and good jobs while stewarding the earth's resources. Does that mean the nonprofit business structure is a good...

December 11, 2025

State 4-H Financial Aid Workshop
Illinois 4-H, in partnership with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, is hosting a Financial Aid Virtual Workshop on December 11, 2025, at 6pm.This session is perfect for high school youth preparing for college or anyone wanting to get a head start on funding their education. Parents and...

December 12, 2025

Bi-State Crops Conference
Farmers and agricultural professionals across Illinois and Indiana are invited to attend a one-day crops conference featuring leading experts from both states who will share the latest research and management strategies to improve crop production and profitability. The conference will be held on...

January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026

Healthy Living Challenge
Join us for a healthy challenge for youth ages 5-18!  Sign up to receive your Healthy Living Calendar.  Each month, there is a coloring sheet for you to complete at your own leisure to help promote mindfulness and mental health. We also have a challenge each month that focuses on an...

Image of the USA flag and a text "Legislative Updates"

January 7, 2026

Illinois State Legislative Update
Unlock insider knowledge on legislative updates that could redefine how counties and local governments operate.Explore legislative updates on recent and upcoming changes to state law impacting counties and local governments at this event hosted by Illinois Extension in partnership...

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