| | Matt Martin, county agent in Rapides Parish surveys a soybean field. |
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| | Shooting Sports has become very popular as part of the 4-H Youth Development program. The program teaches youth fire arm safety and responsiblity. |
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| | Through the Family and Consumer Science program students are learning how to keep their bodies healthy by making wise food choices. |
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You can access a PDF version of the profile below.
About the LSU AgCenter
The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education, to improve people's lives. Working in a unique statewide network of parish extension offices, research stations and academic departments, the LSU AgCenter helps Louisiana citizens make the best use of natural resources, protect the environment, enhance agricultural enterprises and develop human and community resources.
Program Highlights
Family & Consumer Sciences
Master Nutrition Volunteer Program
Rapides Parish currently has 12 certified Master Nutrition Volunteers to assist and conduct basic nutrition and food safety programs for youth and adult audiences. MNP volunteers received 30 hours of classroom instruction on nutrition and food safety to earn certification in this area. To date, Rapides Parish Master Nutrition Volunteers have contributed over 900 volunteer hours.
Smart Portions Adult Classes
Smart Portions is a six week series of nutrition and healthy lifestyle classes focusing on weight loss for better health. January-February 2012 16 participants attended Smart Portions classes and 12 of the 16 lost between 5 and 10% of their body weight. Such reductions in body weight reduce the individual’s risk for some chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Participants found great success in adopting healthier habits and made lifestyle changes they learned about in Smart Portions.
Lunch & Learn Series
Rapides Parish Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Department offers a series of programs throughout the year to educate the general public about various health topics including: Healthy Home Environments, Heart Health, Benefits of Physical Activity, Modifying Recipes for Better Health, and Cooking with Cast Iron. Programs are well attended, attracting 30-75 attendees for each session.
4-H Youth Development
In Rapides Parish 1807 youth are enrolled in 54 traditional 4-H clubs and six 3rd grade Clover Bud Clubs focusing on enriching the lives of these youth through age appropriate competitions, project workshops, livestock clinics and workshops, overnight camps, shooting sports training and service learning activities. Survey data indicates that 67% of the youth enrolled in the program participated in the events and activities offered yearly. Research has shown that youth who feel they belong to a group have a greater sense of independence, are more motivated and have fewer behavioral problems in school.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
EPA has identified the limited understanding and misuse of pesticides use as cause of these materials appearing in Louisiana waterways. The LA Department of Ag and Forestry requires individuals that use “restricted” pesticides to participate in a yearly certification program. The Rapides Parish County Agents conducted 12 pesticide recertification and worker protection trainings attended by 350 residents which included information on use of the correct pesticides at recommended levels. Through proper knowledge of pesticide use, residues of these materials will not appear in LA waterways. The Rapides county agent also conducted a series of master gardener classes and master horseman classes. Cotton, soybean, and corn field days were held for farmers to view demonstration and research fields.
Parish Facts
LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Rapides Parish clientele. The 2008 total dollar amount from these commodities were:
- Plant enterprises - $154,541,000
- Aquaculture and wildlife - 2,853,400
- Animal enterprises - 14,899,250.
Data from the Louisiana Ag Summary
Web site: LSUAgCenter.com/agsummary
Population - 133,131
Land area (square miles) - 1,322.54
Persons under 18 years old - 25.7%
Persons 65 years old and over - 13.7%
Median household income - $44,235
Persons below poverty - 17.7%
Who we reach:
37,738- Youth (includes 1807 4-H members & 54 school 4-H clubs)
Adults (15,772 Ag & Natural Resources and 5,127 Family Consumer Sciences )
How we reach them:
4-H Clubs
Local media
School Enrichment demonstrations
Field days
Workshops
Newsletters
Websites
Publications
Home visits
Social Media
Local Issues and Plans for 2011-2012
1. Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture.
- Field Days—cotton, corn and soybeans
- Conduct series of Master Gardener and Master Horsemen Classes
- Conduct livestock & crop production meetings
- On Farm variety demonstrations
- Farm & home educational visits
2. Promote the wise use of natural resources and protection of the environment.
- Conduct private pesticide re-certification classes Conduct worker protection standard classes to train agriculture workers.
- Master Farmer classes.
- Youth environmental programs.
3. Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H youth development. ·
- Develop & implement service-learning projects parish wide. ·
- Enhance the existing volunteer development program to include additional resources and incentives ·
- Develop self-esteem programs focusing on bullying, character education, and peer pressure ·
- Work to enhance the Jr. leader program which will focus on the environment (including nature, gardening, pollution and water quality.)
4. Decrease risk of Childhood Obesity
- Smart Bodies Comprehensive Healthy Lifestyle Programming in Rapides Parish Schools.
- Mission Garden Grant Program – Working with Hispanic families in Rapides parish to educate about gardening for better nutrition and health.
- Louisiana Commodity Food Demonstrations – Monthly appearances on KALB News Channel 5 to promote Louisiana commodities.
- Cause We Care Fair – Family Resource Event to educate parents of young children about childhood obesity and the importance of hand washing.
- KidChef – Youth Nutrition and Culinary Workshops to promote healthy eating and physical activity.