A scientist in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the recipient of the 2025 national agInnovation award for Excellence in Agricultural Research Innovation. 

In a groundbreaking new project, scientists used precision fermentation to produce brewed chicken protein and evaluated it for use in pet food. Dogs that consumed the protein in their kibble during a six-month study had beneficial digestive effects, the researchers found.

The COVID-19 pandemic upended life for individuals and communities worldwide. Social isolation, health mandates, illness, and economic hardships took a toll on the well-being of families and children, but there were also silver linings to people’s experiences. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at impacts of the pandemic among youth and parents across the U.S. Midwest.

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson and World Business Chicago announced the return of the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food, the city's flagship food innovation and venture capital convening, which will take place on Oct. 14, 2025. Now in its fourteenth year, this two-day experience continues to elevate Chicagoland's position as a national hub for food tech, ag innovation, and entrepreneurial investment.

Agronomy Days at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign continues on with events scheduled into September, providing farmers, academics, and locals with a season-long series providing opportunities to discover the latest agronomic breakthroughs.

Each fall, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign welcomes thousands of students to campus.

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have analyzed 96 years of forest census data to better understand ecological changes and inform management practices. Their study, published in Forest Ecology and Management, reveals concerning homogenization trends. This means the forest has become less diverse over time, losing trees that played a critical role in its ecosystem.

Renowned animal behaviorist and autism advocate Temple Grandin has been selected to receive a 2025 University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed upon alumni by the University of Illinois Alumni Association. Grandin earned a doctoral degree in animal sciences from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1989.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus Eric Hodel didn’t begin his career expecting to lead one of the nation’s largest faith-based food banks. But the journey from his childhood on a Central Illinois farm to his current role as CEO of Midwest Food Bank makes one thing clear: Agriculture and serving his community have always been central to his story.  

As the demand for plant-based meat and dairy options grows, vegan burgers, nuggets, and beverages have been in the spotlight for sustainable protein alternatives. But unlike their meatless burger counterparts, plant-based eggs haven’t received the same attention from researchers — until now.