Changing Lives

“Can we make dairy extension more scientifically sound?" That’s the question that led Phil Cardoso in 2012 to develop the Dairy Focus Team at U of I.

Cardoso, then a new faculty hire in the Department of Animal Sciences with an appointment in research and extension, wanted to maximize his impact on the state’s 600-odd dairy farms. Cardoso’s Dairy Focus Team is revolutionizing the definition of dairy extension, not to mention turning out the next generation of leaders in the industry. more

As part of the state’s on-going commitment to reduce nutrient losses, University of Illinois Extension staff joined directors of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today for the release of the state’s Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial Report. This document, unveiled at the 2017 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, describes actions taken in the state during the last two years to reduce nutrient losses and influence positive changes in nutrient loads over time. more

A lot has changed since the 1970s: tractors drive themselves, farmers scout crops from the air, and robots milk our cows. But one agricultural value has remained unchanged by the technological revolution of the last four decades – persistence. more

Google representatives and Gov. Bruce Rauner met today at the Illinois State Fair to announce the company’s donation of $1.5 million in funding support and virtual reality equipment to support 4-H youth science programs across the U.S., including Illinois. more

Gardeners may be familiar with the sense of calm and peace that can come from relaxing in a patch of fragrant and colorful flowers. It’s little wonder that the gardens have been harnessed for their therapeutic effects. more

Extension’s Illinois Junior Chefs program received the Nutrition Education Program Impact Award at the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior’s annual conference on July 21, in Washington D.C. more

Illinois 4-H is inviting the public to a front row seat for the historic total solar eclipse in August in southern Illinois where the sun’s path creates the longest duration of darkness. more

Families, community members, 4-H’ers, and school students put their engineering skills to the test in the Fifth Annual 4-H Bridge Bust Competition in Plano, Illinois. more

We can reverse nature deficit disorder in ourselves and our children if we work on getting kids outside with activities like the Storybook Trail. more

Students prepared recipes such as veggie chow mein, pumpkin pancakes, and fruit salsa, while learning basic nutrition guidelines and the kitchen skills needed to prepare these recipes. more

Employees from a local home improvement store donated their time and materials to transform the garden at Extension’s Unity Community Center in Normal. more

Chancellor Robert J. Jones is a proud alumni of 4-H. During National 4-H Week, Extension is offering alumni t-shirts to U of I faculty, staff, and students who share their 4-H story. more

"When people feel they belong to something, enjoy it, and feel productive, it keeps them coming back. We have that!" more

Clarence Josefson is one of 45 Extension Master Naturalists in Macon County advancing science, stewarding natural areas, and educating the public. more

Thirty teens from Moline planned a Healthy Carnival to increase awareness in their community about healthy earing and activity. more

To help educate the community on the important role pollinators’ play in our lives, University of Illinois Extension has received grant funds for pollinator projects in Mercer and Rock Island Counties more

U of I School of Architecture students presented design ideas for a safer, more connected, more vibrant Southside Neighborhood in Peoria. This project7 is a collaboration between U of I Extension and the U of I College of Fine and Applied Arts. more