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.

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 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.