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Foundation honors exceptional 4-H youth at scholarship awards ceremony

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members were lauded at the Illinois 4-H Celebration of Excellence held April 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Champaign. The Illinois 4-H Foundation awarded $

rows of vegetables with tarp over soil grow behind garden building

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

youth reps pose by a podium at the event

Youth leaders represent 4-H at Agriculture Legislative Day

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Members of the Youth Leadership Team represented Illinois 4-H at the Agriculture Legislative Day held in Springfield March 29. Agriculture Legislative Day allows farm and agricultural

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White-tailed deer standing amongst trees in a grassy area.
Researchers seek information on close encounters of the deer kind
Researchers at the University of Illinois are asking adults in Illinois to complete an online survey about their experiences with wild white-tailed deer. The survey is part of a larger effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and...
Angus bull
IPT bulls average $4,400, exceed previous sales
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – This year's Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale average exceeded all previous sales, averaging $4,440 on the 49 lots offered Feb. 23 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.  "This sale continues to be one of the best sources for total performance genetics...
graphs showing nutrient load changes in Illinois
Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss
URBANA, Ill. – Midwestern agriculture contributes the vast majority of nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico, causing an oxygen-starved hypoxic zone and challenging coastal economies. State and federal policies have tried for decades to provide solutions and incentives, but the hypoxic zone keeps...
Four horticulture educators with award plaques with Dr. Nickols-Richardson
Evaluate and adjust: Four Seasons Gardening wins state evaluation award
URBANA, Ill. – A popular Extension gardening program was honored by University of Illinois Extension for its dedication to constant evaluation and adaptation of educational programming. The Four Seasons Gardening series addresses home and community garden issues that encourage residents to...
White-tailed deer standing amongst trees in a grassy area.
Be part of a successful deer donation program
URBANA, Ill. – In response to rising food and meat prices and the challenges food pantries have in obtaining meat, University of Illinois Extension, along with key partners, launched the Illinois Deer Donation Program in 2022. This 12-county pilot program fought food insecurity by matching...
Extension employees
Illinois Strong Couples program earns Extension Excellence Award
URBANA, Ill. – Unmitigated, chronic relationship distress can significantly impair the health and well-being of individuals, their families, and the broader community. A University of Illinois Extension program was recently honored for its innovative approach to offer education and coaching for...
map of chicago area
Be a part of the history of soils in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Your land, your soil may have been part of an historical and extensive soil sampling program dating back to 1899 by University of Illinois. University researchers and Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council are looking for...
Person holding a knife and fork up to an empty plate.
Addressing food insecurity and its impact on health
URBANA, Ill. – Hunger is a condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the necessary nutrients to lead active and productive lives. Food insecurity, on the other hand, refers to economic and social conditions that limit access to safe and nutritious food in sufficient quantities...
Black and white cattle eating out of a trough in an open air facility
Early adopters find unique approaches to alternative cow housing systems
URBANA, Ill. – Rising property prices, bad weather, and shrinking pasture acreage challenge Illinois ranchers and limit herd sizes. But what happens when cow and calf producers move cattle into open-air buildings for long periods? That is what University of Illinois staff and Extension...
Maps of Illinois from 2020 to 2022 showing Northern corn rootworm numbers by county.
2022 Field crop disease, insect management report available
URBANA, Ill — Every year, University of Illinois scientists conduct pest and disease surveys in corn and soybean crops across the state, along with in-field tests of insecticides, seed treatments, and more. The 2022 report, now available, describes ongoing Bt-resistance monitoring results; field...
Woman receiving an award
Cairo food donation garden work wins award for community champion
URBANA, Ill. – An Extension employee’s work to fight food insecurity in her community has earned her Extension’s Excellence in Diversity Award. Sarita Sawyer, community outreach worker, has been very instrumental in recruiting diverse volunteers for the Cairo Pilot Food Donation Garden....
women receiving an award for Extension Excellence in Diversity programming
Unity Center recognized for community outreach
URBANA, Ill. – A Bloomington youth center received the University of Illinois Extension’s team award for excellence in diversity programming. The Excellence in Diversity Award recognizes teams that support diversity, pluralism, and innovation, building organizational change. The Unity...
5 Extension staff members winning award
Food brings greater understanding to international cultures
URBANA, Ill – A team of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educators flipped the traditional learning experience with an innovative outreach program that earned the University of Illinois Extension Excellence in Innovation Award. “Culture, Cuisine, Conversation” is a hands-on self-...
man winning mentor award
Goreville native named Extension’s top mentor
URBANA, Ill. – Jody Johnson is southern Illinois’ loudest cheerleader. From baseball fields to community development councils, wherever a need exists, Johnson is quietly connecting people with resources to improve their lives....
Lesa Peterson receiving an award from Extension Director Shelly Nickols-Richardson
Pursuing excellence: Staff named Extension’s best
URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension serves as a statewide network with a presence in every Illinois county, linking communities, businesses, and the public to the intensive research and resources of the university and its partners. Extension’s 650 staff members live in the...
Rhonda Mueller receiving office support award
Help begins at Extension's front door
URBANA, Ill. – Office support staff in local Extension offices connect residents with resources to solve their problems. These staff are often the first people the public meets at the local office and the voice they hear on the phone. University of Illinois Extension recently honored two...

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