Best management practices are suggested practices that an agritourism professional can use to minimize risks in an agirtourism enterprise.These best management practices can be used in the plan of operation under “suggestions to minimize risks.”

An agritourism plan of operation is a planning document that assists agritourism professionals in complying with La R.S. 9:2795.5 to reduce agritourism liability.

Please visit the Agritourism blog for more information about agritourism in Louisiana.

Students at South Cameron Elementary School recently learned about beach erosion control by using an LSU AgCenter lesson plan about hurricanes. The educational material, which is being made available to schools throughout the area, includes details on how storms are formed, Hurricane Rita’s effects on agriculture in the area, hurricane terms, hurricane preparation measures and more.

Instructions on how to post comments to the Evaluation blog.

Agriculture and tourism together present unique opportunities for farmers to diversify and expand their operations. This brochure provides the steps in developing an agritourism business venture. (PDF format only)

This quarterly e-newsletter contains information on social media marketing and shares the success story of the Yellow Rails and Rice Festival.

This survey should be completed by persons who have an agritourism operation, attended agritourism meetings or sought agritourism information. The LSU AgCenter wants to hear from its clientele about your experience with our program and your future needs. Survey closes on Jan. 27, 2012.

A quarterly e-newsletter providing information on how to start, grow or sustain your agritourism venture. Topics covered in this newsletter include: new agritourism survey, food trends for 2012, nature-based tourism, MarketMaker, local chefs linking to new markets online, new dairy blog, free classes teaching online marketing and using internet to get your business noticed.

Application packet containing information necessary for applicants to apply to Louisiana Young Ag Producer Program (LaYAPP), the 2011-2012 class directory, and the 2012-2013 sponsorship information..

The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Young Ag Producer Program (LaYAPP) is a one-year intensive classroom/hands-on, mentor-based experience that introduces high school juniors and seniors to the options available in the areas of food and fiber production and encourages them to consider a career in agricultural production.

A quarterly e-newsletter providing information to start, grow or sustain your agritourism venture. Topics covered include: online marketing, farm stays, MarketMaker, educational opportunities on the Web and the hottest trends in restaurant menus that offer opportunities for farmers.

Dr. Paul Coreil, Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, explains the need for piloting the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program (LaYAPP) in Louisiana and requests assistance in recruiting high school juniors and seniors for the program.

Avery Davidson, with the Louisiana Farm Bureau’s “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture” program, speaks with Bradley Leger, Ph.D. from the LSU AgCenter about the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program and finds out how students and partners can get involved.

Frequently asked questions about the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program (LaYAPP).

Information for sponsors and interested persons to promote the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program ( LaYAPP).

Information about sponsors of the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program (LaYAPP).

Agritourism blends entertainment, education and tourism together to provide a fun, exciting and memorable getaway for school trips and family outings. This website provides educational resources to assist new and existing entrepreneurs in developing, expanding and improving their agritourism ventures.

Video of the July 11, 2011 Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program (LaYAPP) Summer Institute. Participants are engaged in such activities as field trips to area producers and LSU AgCenter research stations, seminars, guest speakers, mentor-mentee orientation and goal planning, hands-on activities, and establishing networks with peers and agricultural industry representatives.

A.J. Sabine, with the Louisiana Farm Bureau’s “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture” program, speaks with Bradley Leger, Ph.D. from the LSU AgCenter about the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program about the upcoming 2011 Summer Institute which will be held July 18-22, 2011.

The LSU AgCenter was pleased to host the first Wireless Ed Roundtable in Louisiana on Oct. 24, 2011, in Baton Rouge. Speakers from WirelessED, Consumer Action, and the LSU AgCenter discussed the importance of broadband Internet connectivity at the meeting hosted in Efferson Hall and broadcast out to Acadia, Franklin, St. Tammany and West Carroll parishes.

This fact sheet contains information on links to the Louisiana Agritourism Limited Liability Law, animal welfare act, LSU AgCenter help sites for agritourism and information on MarketMaker.

This guide contains Web addresses and reading materials helpful to agritourism entrepreneurs.

A quarterly e-newsletter providing information to start, grow or sustain your agritourism venture. Topics covered include: upcoming November agritourism workshop, MarketMaker, culinary tourism and a look at WesMar Farms.

The roundtable will educate consumers about how to make informed choices to select and use a wireless plan and the Connect My Louisiana boardband program.

(TV News 11/29/10) About a dozen high school students are spending a year immersed in agriculture. The students are participating in the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program. LSU AgCenter correspondent Tobie Blanchard has the story. (Runtime: 1:35)

There are many advantages to opening an e-business. An e-business eliminates the need for a storefront and allows the owner to have flexible hours. It can also expand markets for existing brick-and-mortar businesses. In addition, owning an e-business is an advantage for some people who have physical challenges and cannot work in a normal work environment.

Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, at Curry Farms, Inc. in Rayville for a one-day workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn agritourism basics from expert speakers and tour an agritourism operation. Registration costs $25 payable in advance or on site.

This quarterly newsletter edition offers information on the upcoming paddling and canoeing workshop, farm trips and fall farmers markets. It also includes ideas on how to grow your farm into an agritourism venture and how to use quick response codes to market your venture.

Workshop will focus on agritourism enterprise development of wildlife and water systems on farmlands. Guest speakers will talk about revenue potential, outdoor recreational opportunities on farmlands, how to start an outfitters business and legal concerns. Speakers will discuss hunting, fishing and crawfish. Nationally known river guide John Ruskey will speak and offer a canoe trip on the first day of the workshop.

The Ag Leadership curriculum requires about 40 days of training, which includes lectures, field trips, and study tours.

Agritourism Rules published by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Office of the Commissioner

A quarterly e-newsletter providing information to start, grow or sustain your agritourism venture. Topics covered include: pumpkin planting, pumpkin sales, fall moneymaking activities and information on USDA certification for agritourism ventures involving animals.

This fact sheet authored by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry provides an explanation of the 2008 limitation of liability law on agritourism operations (La R.S. 9:2795.5) in Louisiana.

Agenda for the July 2011 Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program (LaYAPP) Summer Institute.

This quarterly edition offers information on Louisiana’s status in agritourism, horseback riding, canoeing, direct marketing, MarketMaker, sunflower trails, fall pumpkin-growing contest, haycation and farm stay. A link is also provided for information on making and selling jams, jellies, preserves and honey products.

This agritourism fact sheet provides tips on how to increase your direct sales through farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) or roadside stands.

application process

Alumni Directory broken down by AgLeadership classes.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Agricultural Leadership Development Program.

A sample curriculum for the Community Leadership and Economic Development program.

Community Leadership and Economic Development FAQ

Read the latest about the Agricultural Leadership Development Program

This program that taught young children how important vegetables are in one's diet included planting vegetables that were later eaten.

This how-to article provides tips on selling flowers at your local farmers maket.

In this quarterly edition we will discuss the broad definition of agritourism, farm stays, flowers, signage, and farmers markets.

The AgLeader is the newsletter for the Agricultural Leadership Development Program. Each issue includes articles about leadership, current class and alumni updates.

A tool for community groups to assess their readiness for economic development.

(Radio News 01/12/09) Several gardens in Shreveport are providing more than just food to members of the community. The gardens are empowering neighborhoods and giving neighbors a sense of accomplishment. LSU AgCenter horticulturists and nutritionists, such as Grace Peterson, are working to revitalize communities by setting up vegetable gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

Deliberative Forums are national issue forums which bring people together to talk about important community issues. They focus on specific issues ranging from small study circles held in peoples’ homes to large community gatherings modeled on New England town meetings. Deborah C. Cross, CED area agent of South Central Region and the lead coordinating facilitator, compiled this summary from the Deliberative Forums.

The LSU AgCenter's Delta Rural Development Center documents the work of the Louisiana Delta Initiative by providing access to presentations made at the April 2 Louisiana Delta Initiative Summit meeting.

(Radio News 01/12/09) Several gardens in Shreveport are providing more than just food to members of the community. The gardens are empowering neighborhoods and giving neighbors a sense of accomplishment. LSU AgCenter horticulturists and nutritionists, such as Grace Peterson, are working to revitalize communities by setting up vegetable gardens. (Runtime: 60 seconds)

This article answers some of the most important questions new business startups face.

The Internet is fast becoming the “new economy." This article provides information on how to start a Web-based business in 10 easy steps.

Instructions on how to post comments to the Evaluation blog.

Some pesticides are so highly toxic that accidental exposure to them without proper protection can sicken or kill humans. Even slightly toxic pesticides can irritate the nose, throat, eyes and skin of some people. (PDF Format Only)

Evaluation report based on participant feedback during the pilot program phase in 2008 and 2009.

Fall 2009 course offerings in rural Louisiana. E-Business Topics: How Business Use the Internet to Make Money; How to Establish a Credible Web Presence; How to Start Blogging for Business; Basics of eBay; Searching the Internet for Better Prices; New Ideas for Building Customer Loyalty; Options for Getting a Business Online; Explore the Cost of Establishing a Website; Successful Marketing Strategies.

Faculty include:

Agriculture and tourism together present unique opportunities for farmers to diversify and expand their operations. This brochure provides the steps in developing an agritourism business venture. (PDF format only)

Agriculture and tourism together present unique opportunities for farmers to diversify and expand their operations. This brochure provides the steps in developing an agritourism business venture. (PDF format only)

(Distributed 09/07/08) When disasters happen, dedicated volunteers and professionals swing into action to help those affected by the tragedy. But these helpers also have needs, says LSU AgCenter family and consumer sciences specialist Becky White.

(Distributed 01/17/08) Twenty-five men and women from across Louisiana began a two-year venture in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program when they attended their first class last week (Jan. 8-10) in Baton Rouge.

(Distributed 06/30/08) Participants in the LSU AgCenter’s Agricultural Leadership Development Program visited Washington, D.C., in mid-June as part of the two-year study program. Briefings on agricultural issues and visits with Louisiana’s legislative delegation were some of the highlights of the June 10-14 study tour to Washington, D.C., for this 11th class to participate in the program coordinated by the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 11/05/07) LSU AgCenter volunteer expert Dr. Janet Fox encourages family members to volunteer together in community service on Nov. 18, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Each year, that Saturday is designated as Family Volunteer Day.

Members of 4-H Clubs across Louisiana are learning what it means to be good citizens, and they’re showing it through a variety of community service projects.For example, Ouachita Parish 4-H’ers are collecting books to distribute to hospitals and charity organizations in their parish.