Program Areas

· Agriculture and Natural Resources: Extension educators help farmers protect the environment - and the bottom line - by offering diagnostic information and educational programs on risk management, IPM, marketing, livestock management and much more. Horticulture programs emphasize soil quality, fruit tree care, vegetable and flower gardening, and pesticide safety for homeowners.

· Community and Economic Development: University of Illinois Extension works with small business owners, volunteer groups, community leaders and government officials, helping them find ways to make their communities stronger and more economically viable. From enhancing tourism to providing leadership education, U of I Extension makes a difference!

· Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences: Extension staff help families learn how to enhance their money management skills, communication with their children, and prevention of diet-related health problems.

· 4-H/Youth Development: Through 4-H and other Extension programs, more than youth develop critical life skills by exploring project areas of their choice. Youth development programming takes on many faces, but always strives to help youth develop process and life skills in an interactive environment that encourages creativity and practical application of knowledge. Pike County offers many opportunities for youth to participate in life skill enhancing learning experiences. Over 60% of youth age 5 to 18 participate in at least one Pike County Extension program.