June 5, 2003
Before you pack up your fun-in-the-sun supplies and hit Indiana’s Lake Michigan beaches this summer, you might want to hit the Internet first. A new Web site can tell you whether any of these beaches are closed due to E.coli contamination.
“Last year, Indiana beaches were closed nearly 20 times over the course of the summer,” said Leslie Dorworth, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant aquatic ecology specialist.
June 5, 2003
URBANA-Illinois is not considered a leading state in wine production. But University of Illinois researchers Bob Skirvin and his team ask the question why not? Skirvin’s recently completed research on grape growth in Illinois showed that Illinois has all the resources to be a successful wine producing and grape-growing state.
June 4, 2003
“Almost all Great Lakes fisheries issues involve stakeholders weighing in on management options,” said Brian Miller, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant associate director. “Through the Great Lakes Sea Grant Fisheries Leadership Institute we hope to provide emerging citizen fishery leaders the fundamental background in science and ecology necessary to make educated choices related to fisheries management.”
Date: June 2, 2003
URBANA - A tour of several organic farms in Woodford County will take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 14. Terra Brockman, president of The Land Connection Foundation and other local farmers will host the tour that will visit successful, diverse, organic farms.
June 2, 2003
URBANA—Live hog prices are expected to average in the low to mid-$40s this summer and drop back to the very high $30s to low $40s for the fall, said a Purdue University Extension marketing specialist.
Do you want a dog but live in a small apartment? Consider other pet options. Rabbits and guinea pigs make excellent apartment pets, and many landlords who are anti-dog or cat will allow caged pets. Caged pets generally require less maintenance, making them great companions for people on the go.
May 12, 2003
URBANA - Milk production was up by 2.6 percent in the United States in 2001, but milk consumption was up only about one percent, leading to a milk surplus, said a University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist.
“We are still producing more milk and milk products for the U.S. market than will be consumed,” said Michael Hutjens, who reviewed the U.S. milk consumption patterns during June Dairy Month.
Illinois, however, continues as a “milk deficit” state, he added. The state produces less milk than it consumes.
May 29, 2003
Energy use and costs are greatest in the hot, summer months when air conditioning use peaks. The Illinois Electric Council suggests taking measures now so your home can better weather the summer sun, heat and humidity.
“There are a number of measures, small and large, that can make a big difference in comfort and electric bills, “ says Molly Hall, Illinois Electric Council Executive Director. “Most steps can pay for themselves relatively quickly. For example, weather stripping and caulking are inexpensive ways to boost efficiency and cut energy costs.”
May 28, 2003
URBANA—Record-low prices, continuing production challenges and tough competition are among the challenges faced by Illinois dairy producers, said a University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist as he reviewed the industry in conjunction with June Dairy Month.
“Prices paid farmers for milk are at a 30-year low with no light visible at the end of the tunnel,” said Michael Hutjens. “Our dairy managers need a price of $13 per hundredweight to cover the costs of production. Their base price today is $10 to $11.”
Intestinal parasites, or worms, are a plague to both dogs and cats. Most pets will harbor worms at some point in their lifetime. Puppies and kittens have a high incidence of intestinal parasites, and most receive de-worming treatment as part of their routine care. Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are the most common culprits of these infections.