Illinois Extension shares expertise in congressional briefing on national nutrition and health
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (PA) and U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson (PA-15) joined the Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on Wednesday, July 19, in the Capital Visitor Center for a briefing on the role of U.S....
How to grow tropical ginger for at-home spice
URBANA, Ill. — Growing fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs in the backyard can seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the season, the bountiful, tasty harvest is worth it. The International Herb Association named ginger (Zingiber...
Extension leader brings a wealth of experience to government relations role
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension provides decision-makers with practical, timely, and research-based information, giving leaders the tools they need to strengthen their communities and improve the quality of life in areas throughout...
5% acidity vinegar is key to safe canning
URBANA, Ill. — There’s a long list of home canned foods that use vinegar as an ingredient, including salsa, pickled vegetables, barbeque sauce, and preserved fruits like apple butter and cantaloupe pickles, as well as canned tomatoes as an acidifier. The vinegar increases acidity, thus lowering...
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...
Illinois landowners can support bats with backyard trees, forests
URBANA, Ill. — Fluttering overhead at night, quiet except for their squeaks, bats can be easily overlooked, but these small mammals play a big role in the ecosystem. Bats are also at risk. Illinois is home to 13 species of bats, and more than half of them are listed as endangered, threatened by...
Elevate your expectations with raised bed gardening
URBANA, Ill. — Whether for convenience or accessibility, raised beds are a popular option for growing fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. Raised bed structures elevate the soil, and with it comes a variety of advantages for growing plants.
Using raised beds may allow...
Orr Agricultural Center’s field day continues U of I Agronomy Days events
URBANA, Ill. — As summer 2023 marches on, so do the events of Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a season-long series providing practical, research-based information that can improve yield, input management...
Extension empowers youth, new educator serving Northern Illinois
URBANA, Ill — For over 100 years, Illinois 4-H has been empowering youth for the future as the state’s largest out-of-school program. As the flagship youth program of University of Illinois, expert youth development staff are utilized to...
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 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...
Livestock judging helps youth develop areas of expertise
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4-H members headed to the showring for the 2023 State Livestock Judging Contest held at the University of Illinois campus. Instead of leading animals, these young members were acting as judge, evaluating groupings of cattle, hogs, and sheep against a standard for breed...
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...
