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A long tradition of food production in urban areas dates back to the start of the 20th century and the advent of the modern city. Is urban food production still relevant? How much food can be grown in urban areas? Follow along to discover urban agriculture’s potential to address issues of food insecurity and create entrepreneurial opportunities.

Feed cost is the number one determinant of profitability in cow-calf operations. Nutrition impacts reproductive success, longevity, and future calf performance. How do beef cattle producers best manage pastures and feed resources to ensure sustainable beef production? Join us to find out the latest in beef cow nutrition strategies.

Diseases and insect pests can severely impact yield and quality of field crops in Illinois, including corn, soybean, and small grains. What are the major disease and insect issues that producers should have on their radar? What is the best way to control them? Learn about how to manage potentially damaging diseases and insect pests in field crops with ACES experts Dr. Nick Seiter, Extension Entomologist, and Dr. Nathan Kleczewski, Extension Plant Pathologist, both of the Department of Crop Sciences.

A financial plan guides and empowers people to reach their goals. Financial planning includes setting goals, managing your money wisely, establishing a solid financial foundation, and investing for the future. Create a financial plan and allow time to be on your side!

Dogs may be known as "man's best friend," yet we still have issues understanding our four-legged family members at times. Knowing how to communicate with one another can help dispel myths and solve issues that may lead to companion animals ending up in shelters. With an estimated 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters each year, and 1.5 million of these being euthanized, it is imperative that we help owners understand their pets better while strengthening the human-animal bond between them. Department of Animal Sciences experts Laura Davis, companion animal behavior specialist; Dr. Amy Fischer-Brown, teaching associate and Extension specialist; and Sarah Albert, teaching associate; answer questions about your own dogs at home!

The New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, and hit the gym are in full swing now but how long will they last? What can be done to create a healthier lifestyle that can continue all year and beyond? Join us for a Twitter chat with two ACES Registered Dietitians, Justine Karduck, Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics and Beth Peralta, Media Communications Specialist with Extension and Dr. Nicholas Burd, Assistant Professor in Kinesiology and Community Health and the Division of Nutritional Sciences on January 25 from noon to 1 p.m. CT to discover what truly works in diet and exercise for lasting weight loss.

What do you wish you had known before applying to college? Learning how and what to focus on in the application process may lessen the stress of preparing for college. ACES experts Brianna Gregg and Debra Korte answer questions about application essays, scholarships, campus visits, and more!

Many people enjoy watching and feeding birds. However, in some cases, birds can become a pest, and in rare cases, pose a threat to human health and safety. Many bird species are also becoming more common in urban areas which could contribute to more conflicts between birds and humans. Join us for a Twitter Chat with ACES experts from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences on Nov. 16 from noon to 1 p.m. CT. Jeff Brawn and Mike Ward will answer your questions about Canada geese, hunting season, and their research findings.

World Food Day celebrates the researchers, producers, and humanitarians who dedicate their careers to solving one of the most pressing issues facing our world: feeding 9 billion people by 2050. The College of ACES imagines a world with abundant food, healthy options, empowered communities, and financial security – all keys to tackling the challenges of world hunger. ACES experts Prasanta Kalita, associate dean for academic programs, and Matthew Stasiewicz, assistant professor of applied food safety, talk about what ACES is doing to reduce food waste and food loss - and what you can do - to meet the global food challenge.

Believe it or not, the Farm Bill impacts many areas of our lives, regardless of our connection to the farm. With sections including commodity programs, disaster assistance, conservation programs, and nutrition programs, the Farm Bill’s reach extends to many unexpected spaces. With scheduled 2018 expiration, the debate is heating up. Listen as Jonathan Coppess and Gary Schnitkey of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics share their perspectives on the Farm Bill.