STEM Academy is exploring Artificial Intelligence using voice assistance this year
We are excited to be offering STEM Academy again this year, through the collaboration of Pearl Technology, Richwoods Township, Caterpillar, and University of Illinois Extension. The theme is AI Learning: Build Your Own Voice Assistant.   Are you looking for an...

2022 corn and soybean yields by Illinois county
USDA has released estimated Corn Yields by county average for 2022.  Stark County led with the highest average yield per acre(ac) at 240.6 bushels (bu) per acre.  Tazewell County came in 9th in the state at 229.9 bushels per acre. Local County Corn Yields: Tazewell...

Sustainable community gardens benefit local growers, ecosystems, and communities
URBANA, Ill. –  The concept of community gardens is not new. One of the most successful, sustainable, and thriving community gardens in the U.S. is the Historic Bethabara Park in North Carolina. It has been active since 1759 and is the oldest community garden in the nation. There is...

Fulton 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Show held
The Fulton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest and Performing Arts Contest were held on Saturday, April 1 at the Checkrow Community Church in rural Avon.  4-H member Addison Fidler presented an original works speech on Fake Meat; Dalton Leezer presented a formal speech on Diabetes; and 4-H member...

Clean for a Cause campaign launched by Food Pantry Network-HOI
PEKIN, Ill. - Spring into giving this year with Food Pantry Network - Heart of Illinois (HOI) by participating in the Clean for a Cause campaign!  The Spring season offers a chance for everyone to clean their slates and begin...

Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team delivers results
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - Communication. Confidence. Character. These are some of the skills and traits that Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Coach Robyn Hendel has been fostering in her team members since 2014. The Fulton County 4-H Livestock Judging Team is a 4-H Special Interest (SPIN)...

Rebecca Crumrine promoted to Extension educator
PEKIN, Ill - It is hard to comprehend how many people’s lives have been positively impacted by Rebecca Crumrine since 2017 when she was hired by University of Illinois Extension as an instructor to teach Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—Education (SNAP-Education). In five short years...

Extension Master Gardeners partner with Phoenix Community Development to promote food access
PEORIA, Ill - Community focused, teamwork, and productive are words that Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) use to describe their Sow to Grow Garden project. This project started out growing fruits and vegetables in a giving garden...

Use the resiliency and sustainability of plants to naturally beautify your garden
URBANA, Ill. – Seasons come and go, but home gardening never stops. Pick up the knowledge you need to embrace a resilient and sustainable home landscape. Sessions identify plants that could be problematic and ones that promote a natural display of beauty throughout the year.  Learn best...

Make the most of mulch by choosing from living, synthetic, inorganic, or organic
URBANA, Ill. – Every spring, gardeners turn to mulches for their landscapes and gardens for a variety of reasons. One of the main benefits of mulch is reduced soil erosion and compaction. Mulch also moderates soil temperature keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Another...

Girls are inspired at 4G STEM Camp
PEORIA. Ill. - Have you wondered what it would be like to work in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) field in the Greater Peoria area? Women leaders in Central Illinois' manufacturing, technology, and education sectors are working together to coordinate the annual 4G (Girl +...

Foundation awards scholarships for 4-H excellence, mastery
URBANA, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $45,000 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H...

FAA requirements for farmers operating a drone
Disclaimer – The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice. Contact your legal advisor and the FAA for more information. Flying a drone can be fun and exciting, however, for safety reasons, many rules need to be followed. The...

2022 Cash Rents for Illinois Counties
USDA has released estimated Cash Rents per acre (ac) for Illinois counties. The numbers are voluntarily self-reported and not necessarily representative of current cash rent levels. Per the author, these figures are likely low compared to the marketplace. Some counties are not reported due to a...

U of I Extension 4-H staff to host YQCA training
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County, will host an in-person YQCA – Youth for the Quality Care of Animals training, on Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Extension office in Lewistown. The class starts at 10 a.m. and both online preregistration and payment of $3 per youth...

4-H Adventures in Nature returns with outdoor family activities
PEKIN, Ill. - As Spring approaches in Illinois, many folks are excited to spend more time outside. 4-H Adventures in Nature can help families make the most of their time outdoors. This program, offered by University of Illinois Extension, provides monthly, nature-based challenge activities that...

Fulton 4-H Shooting Sports to hold spring session
LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension announces that the Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports Program will begin its spring session on April 16.  Registration materials are available online at...

Grow confidence when choosing seed packets for your garden
URBANA, Ill. – When planning a garden, seeds are an inexpensive investment when compared to buying plants. Gardeners have three basic seed selection choices: hybrid, open-pollinated, and heirloom seeds. What is the difference? Hybrid seeds, also called F1 hybrids, are developed by plant...

Grow the best new flower and vegetable varieties with 2023 All-America Selection Winners
URBANA, Ill. –  Another Illinois winter comes to a close after rain, thunderstorms, and snow replenish the soil moisture. A welcome cure for those winter blues has been the arriving garden catalogs and planning for spring. What new garden challenge is your goal for this year? A theme or color...

Farm Estate Planning Series: Family conflict and the estate plan
Disclaimer - The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice. People typically avoid talking about their death. The thought isn’t pleasant. Our natural human behavior is to avoid the subject as much as possible. Too often when forced...