News Releases

Independent Grocer Summit helps local businesses maximize profitability
CARTERVILLE, Ill. — With the rise of big-box stores and rising operational costs, small-town businesses are becoming scarcer. Yet independent grocers play a vital role in local economies, especially within rural communities or food deserts. The second annual Independent Grocer Summit...

Recycle pumpkin season with a smash at Illinois Extension composting events
URBANA, Ill. — Like the changing of the leaves, fall can seem fleeting. Enjoy seasonal vibes — until the porch pumpkins start to decay. When that happens, where do the pumpkins go?“Many do not realize that a thrown-away pumpkin does not break down and disappear on its own without leaving...

Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for the 2026-27 hunting season
URBANA, Ill. – A popular program returns for its fifth season to help feed neighbors in need. Hunters Feeding Illinois connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to bring lean protein to local residents and families, providing a unique pathway to address and improve food insecurity....

Repot that plant while tuning in to Extension’s Gardening in the Air virtual gardening sessions
URBANA, Ill. — Repotting that houseplant has been on your to-do list, so add in some background gardening talk to set the tone for a fall Saturday. Join Extension on Oct. 24 for the Gardening in the Air virtual symposium. Tune in to the presentations from indoors, outdoors, or while...

From member to 4-H Hall of Famer, Burke leads multi-state Extension impact in agriculture
URBANA, Ill. — Leading and guiding University of Illinois Extension’s growing team of agricultural experts is no small feat. Last year, the team developed and delivered programs that drew over 95,000 people, both virtually and in person, across the...

Interactive art in nature celebration glows with spirit of sustainability
URBANA, Ill. — The costume Eliana Brown wore to last year’s Illuminating Art in Nature event created one of many memorable moments.“I was a swallowtail butterfly, which is a pollinator our garden supports, complete with...

University of Illinois launches Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension celebrated the launch of a new Center focused on food, nutrition, and health at an event that brought partners together from across campus and Illinois. The...

U of I researchers develop interactive tool to track agricultural injuries, strengthen prevention efforts
URBANA, Ill. — Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Each year, vehicles, machinery, environmental hazards, and other incidents cause thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities. A thorough understanding of the main risks is key to preventing...

Learn what research says about everyday health challenges
URBANA, Ill. — With health information available at the click of a button, finding trustworthy, evidence-based resources can be challenging. As misinformation continues to spread across digital platforms, access to accurate health guidance is increasingly important. In response, educators,...

College of ACES, Extension deepen research partnership with $2M investment
More than a century ago, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign welcomed ...

Local growers get fresh research and production strategies at Pumpkin Field Day
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Attendees from across the Midwest braved the triple-digit temperatures to attend Pumpkin Field Day. The biannual event welcomed growers, educators, and industry partners for a hands-on pumpkin field day that highlighted the latest research, production strategies, and on‑farm...

Illinois study reveals another reason to save the world’s trees
All over the world, from Oregon’s old-growth forests to Queensland’s eucalyptus groves, creatures depend on trees for shelter. A new analysis from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that as the climate destabilizes, the world’s...

Learn the latest research during Orr Beef Research Center Field Day
BAYLIS, Ill. — Experts from the University of Illinois will lead discussions addressing research, current topics, and situations producers are facing on-farm during the annual Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. This year’s event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at the new Ag...

Welcome fall season with new Illinois Extension Four Seasons Gardening webinars
URBANA, Ill. — It is that time again when shifting seasons are near. Keep the gardening conversations growing with two new webinars from University of Illinois Extension’s free Four Seasons Gardening...

2026 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest winners announced
The 2026 Illinois 4-H Superior Young Livestock Producer Contest was held on Aug. 12 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. A record number of 35 4-H members from across Illinois competed in this year’s contest. Members tackle a three-phase competition including livestock...

Turn climate concern into community action with Illinois Climate Stewards Training
URBANA, Ill. — From a spring full of tornadoes to summers with extreme heat and flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. Be part of the solution by turning...

Illinois 4-H Ready4Work program prepares next generation for workforce
URBANA, Ill. — Workforce readiness remains a growing concern nationwide. Many young people lack access to opportunities that help them build essential job skills, according to the...

Illinois Extension welcomes U. of I. alumna to lead budget and finance operations
URBANA, Ill. — Beginning July 27, Sarah Doherty will oversee University of Illinois Extension’s statewide business and financial operations. Her new role focuses on responsible stewardship of the resources supporting...

Extension launches Health and Community Wellness, Center to strengthen Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is launching its new Health and Community Wellness (HCW) program area to better meet the needs of Illinois residents as communities and families face challenges related to health, food and nutrition, family relationships, and financial well-being....

Field day offers in-depth look at commercial pumpkin production
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Pumpkins are big business in Illinois. In 2024, the state harvested more than twice the pumpkin acreage of the next five states combined, topping 485 million pounds. As Illinois...