NEW Ag Education Game Changer: The University of Illinois Extension has announced Emily Hansen as the new commercial agriculture educator for Bureau, La Salle, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Hansen joined the team in November 2023 and has quickly focused her efforts on supporting farmers and landowners in the region.
Hansen earned her master’s degree in biological sciences from Illinois State University, specializing in behavior, ecology, evolution, and systematics. Her research at ISU examined the impact of cover crops on soil microbial communities.
With a deep agricultural background, Hansen comes from a farming family that has been active in Grundy County for five generations. Her expertise includes soil health, plant-microbe interactions, cover crops, and sustainable farming practices.
“I’m excited to be part of the Extension team serving these communities,” Hansen said. “My first year has been fantastic, and I look forward to introducing innovative programs to our area.”
In her position, Hansen develops and delivers research-driven programs for growers, collaborates with community organizations, and provides access to University of Illinois resources on various agricultural topics.
The key initiatives: NEW Ag Education Game Changer
In 2024, Hansen led several key initiatives, including:
- Hosting the Farmland Owners Conference at Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC).
- Facilitating a roundtable discussion on cover crops.
- Launching the Field Notes blog focused on agriculture.
- Coordinating the IVCC Ag + Extension Fall Field Day.