The University of Illinois Extension is committed to helping Illinois farmers grow thriving crops and livestock. In 2022, Extension surveyed farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to gain insights on their current and expected needs. Based on the survey results, Extension is making changes to its programming and staffing to better serve the needs of the agricultural community.
One of the key priorities identified by farmers was soil health and quality. Extension is now working with the university's Regenerative Agriculture Initiative to develop programs on soil health. Extension is also planning to hire more commercial agriculture and local foods and small farms systems educators to meet the growing demand for these services.
In addition to staffing changes, Extension is also expanding its research capacity in agriculture. The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences has recently hired several new faculty members in plant pathology, agricultural water quality, Extension agronomy, entomology, soybean breeding, economics of sustainable agriculture, swine behavior and management, and agricultural finance and risk management. These new faculty members will help Extension develop new research-based programs and resources for farmers.
Extension is committed to providing Illinois farmers with the information and support they need to succeed. The changes announced today are just one example of how Extension is working to meet the needs of the agricultural community.
Here are some of the specific programs and resources that Extension is offering to farmers:
• The Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) provides training on the safe use of pesticides.
• The annual Crop Management Conference offers farmers the latest information on crop production practices.
• Beef cattle events provide farmers with information on raising beef cattle.
• CropFlix continuing education for producers, advisers, and agronomists offers online courses on a variety of agricultural topics.
• The Illinois Plant Clinic provides diagnostic services for plant diseases and pests.
• The Cattle Connection blog provides news and information on beef cattle production.
• The Illinois Variety Testing Program evaluates the performance of different crop varieties.
• Certified Livestock Management Training provides training on the safe and humane handling of livestock.
• The WILL radio/Illinois Public Media Market and Commodity Reports provide timely market information for farmers.
• The Illinois Pesticide Review Newsletter provides information on pesticide regulations and safety.
• The Illinois Fruit and Vegetable Newsletter provides information on fruit and vegetable production.
• The farmdoc program offers timely analysis, tools, webinars, and data to help farmers make better decisions.
Extension is also committed to providing farmers with mental health resources. The Illinois Farm Bureau offers a confidential mental health hotline for farmers and their families. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can also be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
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Categories: Illinois, Education