Faculty and students from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign traveled to Springfield on March 24 to take part in the 56th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day, joining leaders from across the state to advocate for agriculture and share the college’s impact.

Domingo Lastra has built a career spanning six countries, and his path to becoming president of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) of Latin America began at the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

Students, faculty, and other stakeholders from the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) gathered in April to strengthen the college’s focus on interdisciplinary work towards global food security. 

Every summer, kids ages 8-13 and their ACES alumni relatives and friends gather on the U. of I. campus for a 3-day immersive experience, providing a sampling of what the College of ACES has to offer. This year’s event runs July 8 to 10, 2026.

Kids can choose from a variety of classes designed to combine fun and discovery. Participants will explore hands-on workshops on topics from food and agriculture to human development, technology, economics, marketing communications, and the environment.

On February 20, 2015, Elli Burris’ life changed forever. 

Burris grew up in Mason City, Illinois, and her love for agriculture flourished in Illinois 4-H, which is part of University of Illinois Extension and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and later in FFA. Watching her grandpa raise row crops and cattle inspired her dream of becoming a veterinarian. 

Eggs and poultry provide important sources of protein globally, driving a major industry with large economic impacts. Challenges to hatchery operations include embryo mortality, fertility, sex determination, and eggshell characteristics. These features have a substantial impact on production, but they are difficult and time-consuming to estimate.

Larry Dallas’ farm in Central Illinois’ Douglas County is as flat as it gets. That’s a good thing for planting straight rows and maneuvering farm equipment in the field, but there’s a major downside, too.

“Heavier rain is hard for us to deal with because of the poorly drained soils and the lack of any roll to the ground. It's hard for the water to get away when the rain starts,” Dallas said. “We have installed a lot of drainage tile trying to mitigate that.”

Conservation tillage practices, such as no-till and reduced till, are critical for sustainable agriculture, and they are gradually becoming popular with farmers across the Midwest. Monitoring tillage usage can provide insights into soil health, water levels, and nutrient loss, as well as guide management and policy decisions. 

What started as an at-home kitchen hobby has grown into something much bigger: Steepers Only, a Chicago-based tea company founded by Angelica Lee. Each batch she blends is more than just a drink; it's a celebration of the people and places that have shaped her life and gotten her to where she is now.

Lee’s entrepreneurial spark was lit early. She grew up in Chicago and watched her mother run a post-construction cleaning business.

“My mom inspires me and has been my biggest encouragement,” Lee said. 

Editor's Note: This story was updated on April 22 to better reflect the five degrees Gregg BeVier earned from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

At this spring's commencement, ACES graduates will hear from a five-time Illinois alum whose impact has been felt around the world. Veterinary scientist and business leader Gregg BeVier will share how he leveraged his enduring passion for animal science to develop innovative technologies and help feed hungry families across India and Africa.