New University of Illinois Extension ag educator looks forward to bringing innovative programs

The University of Illinois Extension announced the addition of Emily Hansen as a commercial agriculture educator serving Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties.

Hansen joined the team in November 2023 and has already targeted farmers and landowners.

Hansen graduated with her master’s degree in biological sciences in the behavior, ecology, evolution and systematics sequence from Illinois State University. During her time at ISU, Emily engaged in research exploring the influence of cover crops on soil microbial communities. She comes from a farming family, having farmed in the Grundy County area for five generations. Her areas of expertise include soil health, plant-microbe interactions, cover crops and sustainable production practices.

“I am excited to join the extension team in Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties,” Hansen said. “My first year on the job has been great and I look forward to bringing new and innovative programs to our community.”

In her role, Emily develops and delivers research-based programs to growers, collaborates with community partners and extends University resources to address a wide range of agricultural topics.

In 2024 she brought the Farmland Owners Conference to Illinois Valley Community College, hosted a roundtable discussion about cover crops, started an agriculture-focused blog; Field Notes, and organized the IVCC Ag + Extension Fall Field Day.

To learn more about upcoming events visit go.illinois.edu/BLMPAg.

Hansee is available to help answer questions related to row crop production and can be reached at the Illinois Extension office housed at Illinois Valley Community College, Room C223, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road in Oglesby or by calling 815-224-0896. Her email address is emhansen@illinois.edu.