By Andi Anderson
For many Illinois specialty crop growers, reliable advice has long been just one phone call away. For more than two decades, that trusted support came from Elizabeth Wahle, a specialist with the University of Illinois Extension who focused on crops such as vegetables, horseradish, small fruits, and tree fruits.
Wahle joined Illinois Extension in 2002 and spent 24 years helping farmers solve production challenges, improve farm practices, and strengthen local food systems.
During her career, she served in multiple roles as an agriculture and horticulture educator before becoming the statewide Extension specialist in Agriculture and Agribusiness.
Her work supported both commercial specialty crop growers across Illinois and consumer horticulture programs in Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties.
Her contributions reached thousands of growers through education and research-based events. Wahle played a key role in organizing and supporting well known Extension programs such as the Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School, the Southwestern Illinois Commercial Tree Fruit School, the Illinois Horseradish Growers School, and the Gateway Green Industry Conference. These events became important learning spaces for farmers and industry professionals.
In addition to education programs, Wahle helped build strong partnerships across the agriculture sector. One major example is the Illinois Specialty Growers Association’s From Food to Flowers Everything Local Conference, which has grown into a near annual sellout event.
She also contributed to respected publications including the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide, Pest Management for the Home Landscape, and Vegetable Gardening in the Midwest.
Her dedication to Extension work earned widespread respect. “We are thankful for Elizabeth and grateful for her years of dedication to Extension,” says Travis Burke, assistant dean and program leader for agriculture and agribusiness at Illinois Extension. “Countless colleagues and partners have expressed that the mentorship and experiences she shared with them through the years are immeasurable.”
As Wahle retires, she looks forward to spending time with family, traveling, gardening, and staying active through consulting work.
Her legacy continues through the growers she supported and the programs she helped build, guiding future Extension efforts for years to come.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Education