You can access a PDF version of the Vermilion Parish Profile below.

Program Highlights

Family & Consumer Sciences
The incidence of youth obesity is rising at alarming rate. One-third of the children in Louisiana are classified as overweight or obese. Since the Smart Bodies program started in 2005 in Vermilion parish, over 3000 youth in five different elementary schools have learned to make healthy food choices at home and when choosing snacks, the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet and the importance of exercise for good health in a twelve week series of classes. Participants also toured the LSU AgCenter’s Body Walk exhibit as a culmination of the Smart Bodies program. Results include 50% of youth reported including at least one new fruit or vegetable in their diet and reports that the children are bringing healthier snacks and foods to school.

4-H Youth Development
According to the US Census Bureau’s “Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2006,” only 48 percent of voting-age citizens voted in the 2006 congressional election. Because 2008 was a presidential election year the Vermilion Parish 4-H Jr. Leader Club selected a citizenship focus. Also, members felt that this could supplement classroom civics lessons. The group conducted a voter registration drive and the “get out the vote” campaign. Educational lessons included political propaganda, local elected officials and the effects of campaign materials on voter’s decisions. 70 members and 12 adult volunteers traveled to Washington D.C. 85% of participants agreed that they would try to make a difference in their community in the future.

Agriculture & Natural Resources
Hurricanes Rita and Ike devastated Agriculture in Vermilion Parish. In response agents and staff organized relief in feed and hay to over 300 livestock producers, interpreted over 1800 salt contaminated soil samples and monitored change at sentinel locations monthly, planted ryegrass test plots, tested irrigation water for salt intrusion, tested salt remediation methods, verified inability to plant and estimated damage values. Reports to governing bodies, elected officials and the public were made regularly and are still ongoing. Although reductions in planted acres, crawfish yield and cattle numbers were observed, agriculture remains viable. Total farm sales values were $141 million in 2004 and in 2009 $159 million.

Who we reach:
2244 - Youth (includes 1372 4-H members & 33 4-H clubs)
8855 - Adults
3655 Ag & Natural Resources
5300 Family Consumer Sciences

How we reach them:
4-H clubs
Class series
School Enrichment
Demonstrations
Field days
Workshops
Newsletters
Web sites
Publications
Social media
Farm visits
E-mail


Expanding our efforts:
576 Volunteers - Family and Community, 4-H Adult and Junior, Master Gardeners, Master Horseman, Cattlemen’s Board, Rice Growers Board, Coastal Advisory

Parish Facts
LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Vermilion Parish clientele. The 2008 total dollar amount from these commodities were:

• Plant enterprises - $86,176,082
• Aquaculture and wildlife - $61,288,497
• Animal enterprises - $35,879,053

Data from the Louisiana Ag Summary Web site: LSUAgCenter.com/agsummary

Population - 56,096
Land area (acres) - 783,360
Persons under 18 years old - 25.6%
Persons 65 years old and over - 13.4%
Median household income - $37,556
Persons below poverty - 20.5%

Local Issues & Plans for this year:

Agricultural Profitability
Value added cattle production

• Tour of stocker, retained ownership operations
• Demonstration farm, stocker budget, cull cow management

Marketing

• Market reports in publications, e-mail, web based
• Cooperative marketing and purchasing programs
• Twin Parish Port direct marketing program-shrimp
• Producing quality alligator hides for market
• Forward pricing seminar

Storm surge/salt water intrusion

• Soil and water testing and monitoring, decision
• Livestock evacuation and health plans

• Vegetative planting projects
• Youth Wetlands Week
• Mobile environmental classroom
• LEAP lessons at 4-H club meetings:
• Hurricane Hazards and Louisiana Ecosystems
• Conservation Poster Contest
• Environmental Ambassador Program started
• 4-H Camp programs (Marsh Maneuvers, Mini-camps)
• Parish Advisory Committee, governmental support,
• Landowner involvement

Chronic Disease Management and Prevention

• Workshops, clinics on heart health, diabetes, and controlling cholesterol
• Health Fairs, Smart Bodies at local schools
• News articles, newsletters, web based fact sheets