Looking for something a bit different from that everyday routine of TV and computer games? Looking to add just a little more excitement to your day? Well maybe you can. Take another look at the 4-H program!

To help forest landowners maximize agritourism opportunities, a workshop is being offered Shreveport on March 16, 2012, at the Holiday Inn, 5555 Financial Plaza in Shreveport, La., to explain how to manage legal risk on agricultural lands.

Information for all parents of campers attending the Lincoln Parish 4-H Summer Camp with us on June 4-8, 2012.

Students at Quitman High School in Lincoln Parish will get a chance to learn about the importance of good nutrition and physical fitness through an innovative program sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation and the LSU AgCenter.

Snacks are an important part of a child’s daily nutrient requirement. Most children cannot eat large portions of food at one time, so it is important for parents to have a regular snack time to complement meal time.

The grant will expand school gardening, health and nutrition programs in Lincoln Parish Schools and also encourage youth and parents to start an exercise routine together

Who knows what these youth who attend will become after this exposure? Who wants to bet some will be veterinarians, geologists, actors and dietitians?

The best way to provide locally grown foods is through farmers’ markets, roadside stands or farm stores.January is the perfect time of year to begin planning a farmers’ market.

One safety hazard that is affecting many children today is bullying. Bullying is a form of youth violence that can come in many forms, such as attacks or intimidation whether physical, psychological, or verbal, a real or perceived power imbalance, and repeated attacks or intimidation between the same children over time.

New Orleans Game Night, Foods Festival Cooking Competition, Shooting Sports - How to Sign Up, Food & Fitness Camp, Texting All Teens!!!, Key Club Award, Honey Bee Essay Contest, Challenge Camp, Black History Poster Contest, Junior Award of Excellence, Rural Youth Tour, Electric Youth Tour, Junior Leaders meeting, Valentine's Dance and more!!

A garden salad can be produced from the seeds of lettuce, radishes, spinach and carrots in just 45 days.

Information about a unique seminar coming up and hosted by the North Central Region Louisiana Master Gardener Program. Door prizes, refreshments, and a silent auction will be part of the event.

Any Louisiana resident with an interest in horticulture and a desire to volunteer for community service may apply to the Master Gardener training program.

Here's an idea for a crop to grow and a place to sell it.

The Lincoln Health Foundation is sponsoring a healthy walking program with students in fourth- and fifth-graders and teachers at the Hico Elementary School.

Christmas tree farms open the day after Thanksgiving and continue to sell trees until Christmas Eve. Select a place that offers trees and entertainment for the family. Many of us are online shoppers and that’s a great place to search for a Christmas tree farm.

Lincoln Parish 4-H newsletter includes these articles and more: Talent Contest Winners, Hoops and Clovers, Achievement Day 2012, Safeguarding Your Identity, Foods Festival 2012, Pet Show Winners, Challenge Camp, Key Club Award, Bowling and Pizza, Citizenship Camp, National Black Rodeo Finals, Food & Fitness Camp.

Find out what your lawn needs for winter before applying any fertilizer.

Agritourism is growing in Louisiana and many farmers are diversifying their operations to include education and entertainment for visitors. Farmers have always shown their farming operations to guests visiting their farms, but today farmers are charging for these services.

The September 2011 4-H newsletter for Lincoln parish givese parents, 4-H members, volunteers and club leaders information on upcoming events and opportunities.

Lincoln Parish 4-H has gone to the dogs -- the bulldogs that is. We are focusing our 2011 educational programming on cyberbullying to help the youth of Lincoln Parish avoid becoming a victim.

Lincoln Parish 4-H newsletter with registration forms for Talent Contest, Key Club and Jr. Award of Excellence forms, find out if your are a Cyber Bully and get info. on: Jr. Beef Grazing Project, Honey Bee Essay contest, Shooting Sports, BB Gun Contest, State Fair, Pet Show, Day at the Mall, Citizenship Camp, Poster Contests, National Black Rodeo finals, Club Officer Training, Gingerbread House Contest and more.

Agritourism gives children and their parents an opportunity to visit a working farm or other agricultural enterprise. Learn more about agritourism here and about an upcoming workshop in northeast Louisiana.

Here you can download the current 4-H enrollment forms, find out what club leaders' roles are, how you can become an officer and much more!

All parents want their children to grow up healthy and happy, but when should parents start to take necessary measures to ensure they have the best chances of a successful future? Is it during infancy, toddlerhood?

The easiest way to control weeds in a pond starts during pond construction. If you are thinking of building a new pond, there is ample information available to help you succeed. But, for those of you that already have ponds let’s talk about aquatic weeds.

Interested in creating a new outdoor sports business? Then come to the two-day workshop on Sept. 28-29, 2011, entitled, “Paddling and Canoeing Business Opportunities and Leasing for Profit on Your Farm,” at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, La. The program is offered by Mississippi State University’s Natural Resource Enterprises Program.

List of our faculty and staff that are housed in the Lincoln Parish Extension Office, as well as their specialty areas and backgrounds. Others are available for public outreach and communications in different fields if needed.

MarketMaker offers buyers a convenient Internet search tool to locate products they want, either directly from producers or through some other channel. MarketMaker is free to buyers and sellers thanks to the sponsorship of the Louisiana Department of Ag and Forestry, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Farm Bureau; and the LSU AgCenter.

You can make your monthly meeting an inspiration to your members by incorporating exciting activities to help 4-H'ers gain a sense of belonging. This article provides information and resource links for club leaders on planning club meetings, making meetings exciting, planning a 4-H program, giving demonstrations and leader guides.

Suggestions for meal time with toddlers to assure children's nutritional needs are met and healthy eating habits are learned.

Whether you are interested in electricity, leadership, money fundamentals, health & fitness, writing a resume, public speaking, dramatic arts, pets, home design, fashion, forestry, gardening, photography, camping, bugs, first aid, microwave cooking, bicycles, making puppets, being a good citizen or working on small engines, 4-H has something for YOU!

How to start a raised bed garden for growing vegetables.

The LSU AgCenter's AgMagic at the Louisiana State Fair is an interactive, visually stimulating, educational experience for school groups and families.

Twenty-three youth learned babysitting skills during the LSU AgCenter Babysitting Clinic. Cathy Judd, Family and Consumer Sciences, Extension Agent, said this nine-hour annual clinic teaches youth babysitting is a big responsibility!

The Miss-Lou Regional Tourism Summit will be held in Oak Grove, La. from August 9-11, 2011, at the Jason Lingo Center. This summit is a joint effort between 16 Louisiana parishes, 17 Mississippi counties, the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service.One can learn about how to market and brand their areas to attract tourists during this summit to be held on August, 9-11, 2011, in Oak Grove, La.

Learn why it's time now to start preparing your garden for spring planting and how to get started.

Farm stays are the newest idea in agritourism within the United States. People are paying to stay on the farm and do farm chores. This new idea helps the farmer with crop harvests and provides supplemental income to his operation while providing the visitor with fun and an opportunity to experience agriculture.

Home grown vegetables have always had an appeal, but as the economy slows home vegetable gardening in picking up in popularity. I have even been receiving more calls than average for this time of the year from people that have never grown a garden asking questions about how to get started. Planning a new garden has many considerations such as where to place the garden and what to plant. The working part involves preparing the soil, fertilizing, planting, mulching and, harvesting.

Lately, I’ve been getting one of those questions that are very easy to answer but extremely difficult to deal with. That is “What is the best way to control fire ants?” The answer is, “There isn’t any one best way to control fire ants.” Easy answer but that answer of course makes the person ask more questions. So, I thought this would be a good time to write about controlling those pesky little fire ants.

Ideas for making extra income from pumpkins this fall.

Some of our very own famous Louisiana Chefs are featured in this cookbook. We have also recipes from our staff at the AgCenter and LSU friends.

Here, Lincoln Parish educators can find out about Youth Wetlands Week, how to get the free materials, register, download forms, contact us and much more.

The National 4-H Supply Service is here to serve your 4-H needs, with a great selection of pins, t-shirts, hoodies and much more.

More than 4 million young people have been part of Louisiana 4-H since its beginnings in 1908. Now 4-H alumni have the opportunity to revisit those experiences – some of which were life-changing – by planning a trip to a new museum in Mansura dedicated to 4-H.

Looking for something a bit different from that everyday routine of TV and computer games? Looking to add just a little more excitement to your day? Well maybe you can. Today I wanted to spend a little time talking to you about one of our newer 4-H programs that several people are very excited about and tell you what you need to do to get involved.

The site is tailored to fourth through sixth graders and features nearly a hundred games, quizzes, downloadable activities and videos.

This cool drink is super because it has two foods that give you nutrients. Did you ever think of putting milk and orange juice together?

On Saturday, August 6, 2011, 4-H members from across the state will be unloading their cows, hogs, sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens at the North Louisiana Expo Center.

Brief descriptions of the wide variety of project books offered on a first come, first served basis. 4-H agents will be happy to assist with choosing another project book if we are out of stock of a particular project book.

The Advisory Council assists the LSU AgCenter in implementing and evaluating the educational programs that are developed in response to those needs. The Advisory Council lets us know the programs we conduct are relevant and current and that they are accessible to all who need them.

With gasoline prices still over $3 a gallon a stay-cation might be the right choice for some families. Louisiana has six wineries listed on Louisiana MarketMaker, a new website that links producer to consumer.

What is 4-H? What do 4-H members do? What is a project? Learn this and more as you read about Lincoln Parish 4-H.

Beekeepers who will remove honeybees from walls, structures and trees or collect swarms. Some will remove other bees and wasps. Some travel across the state; others restrict their service area.

People love to eat and they love to experience new foods from new locales. Many entrepreneurs of food specialty products are taking advantage of selling online through the use of websites and blogs. Through the use of technology they are expanding their customer base world-wide.

School is almost out! One favorite family pastime is vacationing during the summer. If you are one of the lucky families who will be traveling with children during the summer break, here are some tips that will make your trip more enjoyable:

Explanation of the function of the LSU AgCenter Advisory Leadership System and of the priorities of the Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council from Lincoln Parish.

During July and August in Louisiana our lawns suffer from heat and drought stress in most cases. Many people may welcome the dry climate because it may reduce the need for mowing the lawn. Many homeowners may not like the look of a drought stressed lawn and begin to water their lawn. Proper irrigation is one of the most challenging aspects of lawn management. Proper irrigation practices have taken on even more significance in recent years with the increased importance of water conservation.

Information about controlling sticker weed in lawns. Start now!

The tomato is one of the most popular vegetables grown in the home garden. They require little space when staked and tied and are capable of producing five or more pounds of usable fruit per plant. The tomato is relatively low in calories and is a good source of vitamins C and A. There are many pest problems associated with growing tomatoes which perhaps have caused many of the calls to the Extension office in recent days.

With the temperatures rising and school being out of session, many children will be spending a lot of time outside these coming months. There are many precautions that parents should take to keep their child safe.

Information about when to fertilize lawns and how to handle lawn weeds now.

Busy women work hard to balance family, home, work, church, and community activities. Planning a weekly menu and grocery list for preparing home-cooked meals saves time and money.

Understand the value of eXtension was created, a web-based information site giving the Cooperative Extension Service accessibility 24/7/365. Ak questions and expect to receive answers from experts at land-grant universities across America. The LSU AgCenter and Southern University in Louisiana are part of the growing eXtension system.

Information about establishing and maintaining a centipede grass lawn.

Reflections on how habitual conveniences can be contrary to "going green."

Seems more and more lately I have people talking about the deer near their homes. Several years ago they would mention how beautiful it was to wake up and look out into their backyards and see the deer walking through. But for some time now it’s more of a complaint about the damage these animals do to ornamental and garden plants.

Illustration of soil sampling procedure.

Almost every family in the south has at least one relative who has a reputation for making tasty jams and jellies. So, take a moment and ask your grandmother or other relative for their favorite jelly recipe. This recipe could be just the start of your first business.

The Sparta Aquifer is a confined aquifer that covers south Arkansas and North Louisiana. It is the primary source of water for many county, parish, municipal and industrial water systems. Because the Sparta provides clean cool water, it is an excellent source of water for many purposes.

Taking proper care of children is one of the most important jobs that a parent can do. One thing that parents should do is lower their baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the sudden, unexplained death of a child under the age of one. Learn about how to lower a baby's risk of SIDS here.

Did you know clutter can slow you down? Here are tips for getting your home and time organized.

A monthly newsletter for parents of newborns. (PDF Format Only)

One of the most important skills that a parent can teach a child is the ability to read. Teaching a child to read is not something that has to wait until he or she begins school; it is actually beneficial for a parent to begin reading to a child as soon as infancy to help develop language and reading skills.

Get answers to your questions about lawn care here so you can have a healthier, prettier lawn.

Flowering trees add color and beauty to our landscapes in late winter and early spring. These great trees add flower color at a time when many of us think we have to wait for spring. Most of these trees also are low-maintenance and reliable for long-term performance.

As a group of members throughout the state of Louisiana, America’s Wetland Conservation Corps develops educational outreach programs and hands on restoration projects to foster wetland preservation and appreciation. I have been a member of this organization for the past year and have grown to love the cause we work towards for various reasons.

To quote the 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better”. When a youth enters 4-H beginning in 4th grade we get to work with them until they graduate high school. During this time we are fortunate to be able to watch them grow, learn, and mature into fabulous young people. The pride that we have for these young people is immeasurable. We have this situation this year with one of our Lincoln Parish 4-H members, Ms Lacie Johnson, a senior at Simsboro High School.

I am requesting an investment from you. No, I’m not talking about the stock market or real estate, but I am talking about a “mutual fund”. This “mutual fund” requires the greatest of investments in that it is comprised of the youth of Lincoln Parish.

“What positive outcomes in youth, adults, and communities result from the presence of critical elements in a 4-H experience?” A group of evaluators reviewed the basic and applied research on characteristics of effective programs for youth development. From this process, eight essential elements were identified focusing on belonging, mastery, generosity and independence.

Why is parental involvement important? The Louisiana 4-H Executive Board formed a committee to encourage parent involvement. They believe it is extremely important for the success of the program. Here are what some of the 4-H members have to say about this issue:

Television, movies, video games all increasingly vie for our children's time. But they rarely allow children the luxury of burning some of their pent-up energy. Parents can make a big difference in the amount of physical activity children experience.

We strive to give youth the tools they need to have a desire to change the world for the better. Do we sometimes sell our youth short by telling them that this feat is impossible just to avoid the disappointment they may experience if their attempt were to not work?

Winning customers over takes time but can be financially rewarding. In this article you'll find tips on how to engage customers, exceed customer expectations and more.

This report provides information on funding sources, program highlights for the area, and local issues that are being faced by Lincoln parish through the Extension Service.

One of the best things that a mother can do for her baby is breast feed. It's good for the baby and for the mother, too. Learn more about it here.

The LSU AgCenter was proud to host more than 500 Lincoln Parish 4-H members, leaders, parents and volunteers as they were “Leading the Way” at the 2011 Lincoln Parish 4-H Achievement Day held May 4, 2011, at the North Louisiana Exhibition Center.

Expect lots of competition at the farmers market this year. That’s why you might want to consider adding something to your stand, like flowers.

My last news article was devoted to starting and running a farmers market. Today, I want to share some ways that farmers markets and roadside stands can attract consumers.

Articles featured in this monthly newsletter edition include: Winners of Foods Festivals attend Regionals, Cody Hanna attending Poultry Show, Achievement Day, Junior Leader Meeting, LOST Camp, Summer Camp, Junior Wildlife Tour, Citizenship Camp, Legislative Day, Fabulous Fruits, and 4-H University.

How to grow vegetables in raised beds.

Louisiana celebrated Ag Day last month to salute farmers, but we should all smile, wave and tip our hats to the individuals and businesses who supply our food and fiber every day, not just on this occasion.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines, which are issued every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, call for some drastic changes in the American diet.

The home can be one of the most dangerous places for a baby. Since the baby will spend much more time at home than any other place the risks of becoming injured are much higher. Parents have the opportunity to provide their children with their own castle by childproofing the home and keeping him or her safe.

Great American Clean Up Day, Junior Wildlife Tour, Citizenship Camp, Summer Camp 2011, Canned Food drive, 4-HUniversity, Legislative Day, Foods Festival Winners 2011, Achievement Day 2011, Roughin' It Camp, etc

Art shows, church socials, picnics at the park, a crawfish boil with co-workers — it seems families always have something fun planned. Ours is a community made up of people who like to stay active, not only for their own pleasure, but also for the benefit of others. Volunteerism is a passion in Lincoln Parish.

Family and Comsumer Science agent Cathy Judd shares recipes to help you prepare home cooked meals.

This delicious dessert recipe is done in the crock pot!

This newsletter is intended for Louisiana’s non-industrial private forest landowners. It provides them with educational information, current policy analysis, economic trends and upcoming events related to forestry education programs.

Smart Choices Youth is a community nutrition education program of the LSU AgCenter for Grades 5 – 8. (PDF Format Only)