4-H public speaking contest participants show hard work, courage
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – 4-H excels in preparing youth to speak well and confidently, and it is a skill that serves members for a lifetime. Youth from across the state recently came together to put their public speaking skills to the test during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest...
Level up safety first thinking during the spring planting season
URBANA, Ill. — Current spring weather conditions have a lot of tractors parked for now, but when the weather clears and fields dry, it will be a fast-paced season for planting 2024 statewide.
Although another Midwest farming season may seem routine, the agriculture industry is highly...
Youth demonstrate expert equine knowledge, passion for horses 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...
Enjoy the silence. Cicadas are coming
If you haven't heard the buzz, you will soon. Billions of periodical cicadas are coming, and University of Illinois Extension is sharing information to help track their moves before emergence.
“Historically speaking, 2024 is a big year for...
Diabetes Clinic is going back to the basics with Diet
EUREKA, Ill. – Following a healthy meal plan can help keep blood sugars under control. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have had diabetes for years, it’s time to get back to the basics! Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to review what carbohydrates are...
Grow and give back through the Giving Garden program
Bloomington, IL – Healthy communities grow with community support. Let the harvest of your garden contribute to the health of your community this summer. Offering garden vegetables is a source of food that ensures a neighbor facing food insecurity has access to fresh produce. An arrangement of...
Get your pressure canner tested for free by Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — Spring is a great time to take inventory of your canning equipment to prepare for the summer canning season. If you have a dial gauge pressure canner, make it a habit to get it tested by Illinois Extension every year.
Various...
Determining cash rent on Illinois farmland
URBANA, Ill. — One of the most consistently asked questions to University of Illinois Extension offices across the state is, what is the going rate for cash rent for farmland?
Cash rent rates are a common yet recurring question that is...
4-H youth honored for leadership, career achievements
Urbana, Ill. – 4-H youth across the state have been honored for their career achievements in the 4-H program.
The State 4-H Experience Award offers recognition for members who took part in activities and events in the categories of Participation, Community Service, Leadership, and...
National leadership super summit gives teens new pathways
Washington, D.C.. – Eighteen teen leaders from across Illinois were chosen to represent Illinois 4-H at the Ignite by 4-H Summit to be held Mar. 13-17 in Washington D.C.
Teens experienced four days of inspiring and engaging panels, respected speakers, workshop sessions, entertainment and...
New Extension environmental educator takes root in central Illinois
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — When it comes to coexisting with nature, the solutions aren’t always straightforward. What do you do if your native plant landscaping attracts a family of groundhogs? How do you work with your neighbors to remove encroaching invasive species? Where can you go in town to find...
Exploring New Frontiers: Uniting 4-H and Space as We Explore the Phenomena of a Solar Eclipse
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Are you prepared for the upcoming total solar eclipse? Solar eclipses are an amazing time to learn more about the sun, moon, earth, and the paths they take as they orbit around each other. Join us at Clovers in Space: Solar Eclipse Edition where you’ll get to...
Get Inspired to Cook Again with Extension’s Diabetes Clinic
EUREKA, Ill. – What's for dinner? The question is asked 365 times a year! It's easy to get stuck in a rut or lose inspiration, but sometimes just a few simple changes can get you back on track. Join Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith, to learn some quick...
Mindfulness: Make Your Own Mindfulness Kit for Reducing Stress workshop
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Are you going through life on autopilot and feeling stressed out? All of us have challenges in our daily lives, but there are some strategies and activities that you can do to help live in the moment and experience a reduction of stress.
The University of Illinois...
Beyond horses: Cultivating life skills in objective reasoning, decision-making, public speaking
GALVA, Ill. — Youth from around the state demonstrated their specialized equine knowledge at the Illinois 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 17 at the Black Hawk College East Campus.
In this contest, youth judge six classes of horses, at least two being halter classes and youth 14...
Teen leaders showcase leadership, speaking skills at State Capitol
Springfield, IL – Illinois 4-H teens put their leadership skills to the test as they communicated the value and impact of Illinois 4-H with state legislators as a part of 4-H Legislative Connection on Feb.7 and 8.
Legislative Connection provides Illinois 4-H teens a...
Get inspired to get growing at regional garden days
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine picking fresh fruit off a tree in your backyard. Or snipping fresh herbs from a potted plant growing on your windowsill for a family meal. Gardening is an adventure, and each spring is a new opportunity to grow.
Whether your garden is a few houseplants by a window...
Support pollinators at Gardeners Gathering
Support the pollinators at Gardeners Gathering
EUREKA, Ill. –About one-third of the food and drink we consume depends directly or indirectly on pollinators, and there is no denying these creatures are in decline. University of Illinois Extension Woodford County Master...
