Elizabeth Wahle will retire from the University of Illinois Extension in April after a 24-year career supporting specialty crop growers, according to an announcement on Apr. 16. Wahle has been recognized for her work assisting growers with production questions and helping colleagues fulfill the Extension’s mission.
Wahle’s retirement marks a significant transition for the Illinois commercial specialty crop industry, where she has played a key role in supporting vegetable, horseradish, small fruit, and tree fruit production. Her efforts have contributed to building resilient food webs and sustainable ecosystems across the state.
Over her tenure, Wahle held various educator roles that led to her current position as statewide Extension specialist in Agriculture and Agribusiness. She supported consumer horticulture programming in Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties while also coordinating educational programs such as the Southern Illinois Fruit and Vegetable School and the Gateway Green Industry Conference. Travis Burke, assistant dean and program leader for agriculture and agribusiness at Illinois Extension said, “We are thankful for Elizabeth and grateful for her years of dedication to Extension. Countless colleagues and partners have expressed that the mentorship and experiences she shared with them through the years are immeasurable.”
Wahle also helped build partnerships leading to events like the From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference becoming essential gatherings for growers. She contributed research to publications including “Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide” among others.
Reflecting on her career, Wahle said she values most the relationships built with growers and colleagues. She hopes she will be remembered as a trusted source of information who helped people try new practices or achieve success.
The University of Illinois Extension is affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Urbana-Champaign as part of the national land-grant university system according to its official website. The organization benefits from volunteers who contribute more than $15 million annually according to its official website, utilizes facilities such as Christopher Extension Center on campus according to its official website, enhances cultural well-being by fostering health equity through its initiatives according to its official website, focuses on promoting resilient communities through educational programs according to its official website, and features an “Extension Worker’s Creed” emphasizing belief in people, education, and democratic principles according to its official website.
In retirement Wahle plans more time with family along with consulting work so she can remain connected with agriculture.
