Youth national shooting sports competition empowers youth through self-discipline, goal-setting
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Thirteen Illinois 4-H participants recently showcased their specific shooting skills and sportsmanship at the 2023 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Neb., June 25 through June 30. This long running annual event attracted a record number of 718 youth...
Want more from your garden? Plant a fall crop of cucumbers
URBANA, Ill. — It’s the middle of summer, and you are looking for a new home project. Did you know it is not too late to plant some vegetable plants? With proper care, many vegetables are easy to grow in a sunny location in your backyard or a container garden on a patio. Take the challenge and...
Answering the call: Everyday Environment team wins national gold award honors
URBANA, Ill. — Responding to the needs of communities across the state is a priority for University of Illinois Extension. In 2020, the natural resources, environment, and energy team members...
Care for perennial gardens with 3 proven pruning methods
URBANA, Ill. — Pruning perennial flowers takes a garden from looking fair to well-kept. Deadheading, cutting back, and pinching are all pruning techniques that can keep perennial plants looking well cared for and healthy.
Pruning perennials is a complex topic because different...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge in hippology contest
Urbana, Ill. – In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. 4-H’s educational programs enhance members’ knowledge of horse health, breed...
Youth test their knowledge of horse health and more in state contest
Urbana, Ill. -- In 4-H, learning about horses means much more than learning to ride. Young people with a passion for horses participated in recent statewide educational contests related to the equine industry. University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H educational programs enhance members’ knowledge...
Youth gain persuasive speaking skills in equine contest
Urbana, Ill. – The Illinois 4-H Horse Speaking contest helps youth gain self-confidence, courage and persuasiveness; share ideas with others; and develop the ability to speak in public to inform others about horse-related subjects and the 4-H Horse project. This year’s contest was held April 22...
Illinois AgrAbility ready to serve farmers across the state
URBANA, Ill. — Farmers have always been the backbone of America. The state of Illinois includes 72,650 farms that cumulatively harvest over 27 million acres and are operated by 118,000 producers. The work involved is not only the farmer’s livelihood but rather their way of life.
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Asking for help just got easier with no-cost mental health access for agricultural community
URBANA, Ill. — Farming is stressful, and the Illinois agriculture community faces unique challenges every day that take a toll on mental health. A new program from University of Illinois Extension gives farmers and their families access to professional mental health care for free.
The...
Creating healthier Illinoisans: SNAP-Ed generates up to $135 million in future benefits
URBANA, Ill. — Illinoisans receive between $5.36 and $9.54 in return for each dollar spent helping Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program participants make healthier choices through the state’s Eat.Move.Save. education programs. The benefits include healthcare cost savings, increased life...
Farm stressors affect mental health of adults and adolescent children
URBANA, Ill. — Agriculture is a stressful occupation, and farmers face substantial mental health challenges. Research indicates they often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to the general population, but less is known about the effects on their...
Illinois at increased risk of drought conditions
Parts of northeast, western, and central Illinois have been much drier than normal in the past four to six weeks, causing dry soils and lower streamflow. Perennials, gardens, and young trees in these areas have begun to show some response to the dryness, requiring more frequent watering than...
Bugged by houseplant pests? Give carnivorous plants a try
URBANA, Ill. – During the chilly, dreary winter months, I enjoy my green houseplants that add a bright spot in my office and living space. So when I was visiting a new specialty plant shop this fall, I had to add a new plant friend, “Ping,” to my collection.
If you have ever dealt...
Champaign County Master Gardeners gear up for their annual Garden Walk
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Celebrating its 27th year, the Champaign County Master Gardeners Garden Walk continues to be one of the area’s most anticipated summer events. With six private and two public gardens to tour,...
Keep food safe during severe weather
URBANA, Ill. – Many communities across the Midwest have already begun experiencing severe weather as warm, humid...
Symposium offers 9 sessions on understanding and controlling invasive species
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois is home to beautiful wild spaces, but invasive species are a growing threat in our forests, lakes, backyards, and agricultural fields. Invasive species pose a serious threat to native species and natural ecosystems and cost the country billions of dollars to combat....
Illinois SNAP-Ed: 3 years of positive impact in communities
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois SNAP-Education provides community-based nutrition education to individuals and families eligible for SNAP benefits and collaborates with communities and local partners to make...
