University of Illinois Extension

Crop research update: A new nine-year study at University of Illinois found that a three-year crop rotation using corn, cereal rye, soybean, and winter wheat reduces the amount of the nitrogen, a crop nutrient, from washing out of fields and downstream without affecting crop yield.? Learn about nutrient pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus in Illinois waters and beyond and statewide efforts to reduce nutrient loss at https://go.illinois.edu/nlr.

Recently, experts from the University of Illinois College of ACES?at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?testified in support of USDA funding and the Farm Bill. Associate Dean and Director of Illinois Extension Shelly Nickols-Richardson and Associate Professor Jonathan Coppess both testified highlighting the critical role USDA funds play in sustaining essential programs like 4-H, SNAP-Ed, and farmdoc, which directly benefit Illinois communities. Key Points from their testimony: USDA funding supports 43% of Illinois Extension's budget. Programs funded by USDA provide a 10-to-1 return on investment for local communities. Cuts to funding would shift the burden to state and local resources, disrupting vital services across Illinois' 102 counties. To read more:

Hey there, what’s that? Orange & Blue Crowdfunding Week continues? Why yes, yes it does, and we are happy to continue supporting the Red Oak Rain Garden in their efforts to raise funds to help support the impact this project brings to so many. So today we’re going to TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE about the Red Oak Rain Garden, and also share a story of how this gem on campus is impacting students. Your best guess: The Red Oak Rain Garden takes up about 10,000 square feet of space. How many native plant species can be found in this space? A. ~ 30 species B. ~ 40 species? C. ~ 50 species D. ~ 60 species The beauty of the Red Oak Rain Garden meets innovative learning opportunities in engineering for this Civil and Environmental Engineering major and RORG Sustainability intern: https://lnkd.in/gsiJd9Gu.? Are you ready to support the Red Oak Rain Garden? Awesome! Don’t delay, every little bit helps: https://lnkd.in/gm_JcYke. If this is your first time hearing about the Red Oak Rain Garden, or you are interested in learning more before donating, this is a great primer of the impact of what is happening around the garden:

The Red Oak Rain Garden is honored to be a part of the inaugural Orange & Blue Week here at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! This week highlights crowdfunding projects that directly impact our students and campus. Can a little (big) rain garden make a difference for the people of Illinois? We think so! This gives you, dear readers, the chance to support the Red Oak Rain Garden today. If you know about the Red Oak Rain Garden, and know of its beauty and importance, and you're ready to go directly to show your support: https://lnkd.in/gm_JcYke. If this is your first time hearing about the Red Oak Rain Garden, or you are interested in learning more before donating, this is a great primer of the impact of what is happening around the garden: https://lnkd.in/gUFCiKvQ. Thank you for your support, and stay tuned to learn more about the garden and its impact both locally and across the entire state of Illinois. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant University of Illinois College of ACES University of Illinois Facilities & Services

Join Us for the 2025 Annual All Day Ag Outlook!? Date: Tuesday, March 4 Doors Open: 7:30 a.m. Central/8:30 a.m. Eastern Location: Beef House, Covington, Indiana Farmers, get ready for the upcoming growing season with insights from industry experts! Hosted by Illinois Public Media?, farmdoc, WILLAg.org, and University of Illinois Extension, this event has been a staple since 1991. What's on the agenda? Discussion points include: ?- Presentations on South American and U.S. growing seasons ?- Autonomous farm operations ?- Budgets and outlook ?- Crop insurance ?- Farmland prices ?- Panel discussions on soybeans and corn You will also be able to celebrate some special features, including:? a toast to the 40th anniversary of IPM’s Closing Market Report, book signings by Neil Dahlstrom ("Tractor Wars"), Scott Irwin ("Back to the Futures"), and Jonathan Coppess ("The Fault Lines of Farm Policy" and "Between Soil and Society"). Registration Fee is $40 and includes Beef House cinnamon roll, coffee, and lunch. Sign up today!?

We're hiring! On campus or close to home, Extension staff put research-based knowledge to work on everything from youth development to water quality. Ready to make a difference? Join our team! - Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator, based in Bourbonnias. Apply by March 13. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gwyeDb4E - Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator and state Master Naturalist coordinator, based in Champaign-Urbana or negotiable county Extension office. Apply by March 4. Learn more at? https://lnkd.in/g5siReyi - Office Support Assistant, openings in Harrisburg and Paris.?Explore these and all open positions at

The Take Charge of Your Pain webinar series is a group class designed to help participants manage their symptoms and live healthily with chronic pain. Participants will learn strategies in medication management, nutrition, pain relief, and physical activity, fostering mutual support and building confidence to lead active, fulfilling lives. This evidence-based program requires full attendance, and it is designed for individuals aged 18 and older who are living with chronic pain. Event Details: ?Date: Feb. 28 ?Time: 9 to 11:30 a.m. ?Register at: https://lnkd.in/gpvJmYap

Whether it's a hobby or a career, selling food grown or made in your home offers endless possibilities for enjoyment and profit. But with great opportunity comes great responsibility! Ensuring the safety of your customers is paramount.? Illinois Extension is here to guide you through the regulations, helping you outshine the rest and grow your home-based business. ?https://lnkd.in/gZKWYRJE

Discover how to navigate the complex world of health information with experts from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, and Illinois Extension. Learn about the latest health research, find reliable sources, and engage directly with U of I researchers. Don't miss this chance to stay informed and empowered!? Find out more about topics and dates: ?https://lnkd.in/g96gJt-i

The monarch butterfly, one of the most iconic insect species and symbols of ecological health, has faced a dramatic population decline over recent decades.? This population decline has been attributed to habitat loss, pesticide use, and adverse environmental conditions. Staying in the know will keep the conversation going as it is proposed to go on the threatened species list.? John Schepis, Extension specialist and Pesticide Safety Education Program staff member, explains current proposals, the next steps, and where stakeholders can view or add public comments.? ?? Read The Pesticide News’: Public comment opens on monarch butterfly's threatened species status, USFWS contemplates limitations on pesticides at