June 17, 2003

URBANA--The West Nile virus will soon become more active in Illinois. Although only two infected birds have been found so far this year, it is time to start taking precautions to protecting yourself from this virus that killed 64 people in Illinois in 2002, said a University of Illinois entomologist.

June 16, 2003

URBANA - Illinois has seen a major decline in the populations of grassland birds and other upland wildlife over the last 30 years, according to Richard E. Warner, researcher at the University of Illinois and director of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. He explained that agricultural land use has changed substantially in the past 100 years, contributing to the pronounced declines.

June 10, 2003

URBANA--Growing and marketing small grains will be the focus of the Small Grains Twilight Field Day on June 24 at the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Station, 14509 University Rd in Shabbona.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a light supper, while Jim Quinton, director of the Illinois Wheat Association, provides a "Small Grains Market Outlook." Michael Richolson, district conservationist, for the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, will discuss "Fitting Small Grains into the Farm Bill."

June 11, 2003

The Illinois Watershed Management Clearinghouse has just unveiled a new website. Combing the resources of University of Illinois Extension, Illinois EPA, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and C-FAR this new website promises to provide a one stop location for those interested in Illinois watersheds and their management.

"We wanted to make it simple and easy to navigate for those looking for information," said Susan Meeker, University of Illinois Extension Educator. "Now people can go to one place."

June 9, 2003

URBANA—Using options to manage summer price risk in soybeans is one alternative producers could consider as there is potential for much lower prices should a favorable growing season unfold, said a University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist.

June 6, 2003

URBANA—A series of seven pasture walks on the theme “Focus on Pasture: An Illinois Sustainable Dairy Approach” will be held this summer and fall sponsored by University of Illinois Extension.

“Dairy and livestock producers interested in learning more about Management Intensive Grazing (MiG) will want to consider attending one of these walks,” said Michael Hutjens, U of I Extension dairy specialist.

Dates and locations for the pasture walks are:

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.

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.