You can access a PDF version of the Parish 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
Forty-four older adult clientele at the Council on Aging were provided with a series of nutrition programs three times a month for 10 months to educate them on adopting healthy behaviors including: eating healthier, selecting and preparing nutritious foods, and exercising. 63% of the participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices (i.e. plans meals, compares prices, does not run out of food or uses grocery lists). 42% of the participants showed improvement in one or more of food safety practices (i.e. thawing and storing foods properly).
4-H Youth Development
West Baton Rouge Parish 4-H has a strong emphasis on increasing students’ ability in math and science. This priority in 4-H is also a National Mission Mandate in Science, Engineering and Technology, also known as SET. Volunteers attended a state robotics training to learn how to use the Legos Mindstorm Robotics kits that are available through the state 4-H office. After this training several robotics workshops were held in the parish. During these workshops members get the chance to work with the Legos Robots and learn how to program them on a computer. Through these activities members are strengthening their math and engineering skills. Members are also strengthening their understanding of technology through the computer usage and discussions of what roles robotics plays in today’s society and industry. In the 2009-2010 year the robotics programming has been expanded to a project club that will meet regularly and be progressive in the skills the members learn.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Through the continued efforts to provide education to producers on the reduction of use and alternative herbicides to replace Atrazine in sugarcane and corn production in the Upper Terrebonne Basin. Through continued educational effort such as field days, newsletters, and e-mails, made available to farmers to maintain these BMP's the levels of Triazine in the waterways and drinking water remain at a 10 year low. In addition, periodic educational events are conducted promoting the safe and reduced use of chemicals for all home and agricultural users.
Parish Facts
LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, fisheries, wildlife and animal enterprises to West Baton Rouge parish clientele. The 2008 total dollar amount from these commodities were:
- Plant enterprises - $21,729,979
- Fisheries and wildlife - $417,063
- Animal enterprises - $3,773.137
Data from the Louisiana Ag Summary
Web site: LSUAgCenter.com/agsummary
Population - 22,553
Land area (square miles) - 191.20
Persons under 18 years old - 25.4%
Persons 65 years old and over - 10.6%
Median household income - $43,020
Persons below poverty - 16.9%
Who we reach:
3700 - Youth (includes 483 4-H members & 13 school 4-H clubs plus 3 project clubs)
3080 - Adults
1280 Agricultural & Natural Resources
1800 Family Consumer Sciences
How we reach them:
4-H clubs Class series
School Enrichment Demonstrations
Field days Workshops
Newsletters Web sites
Publications Social media
Expanding our efforts:
150 Volunteers -
4-H, Master Gardeners, Family & Community, Master Horsemen, and AgCenter Supporters
Local Issues & Plans for this year:
1. Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture.
- Conduct Sugarcane Field Day.
- Conduct Tri-Parish Farm Forum.
- Conduct Master Gardener Training.
- Write news column, web page content, and seminars on agriculture practices.
- Conduct farm and home educational visits.
- Continue to promote and certify farmers in all 3 phases of the Louisiana Master Farmer Program.
2. Promote the wise use of natural resources and protection of the environment.
3. Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H youth development.
- Develop and implement service learning projects throughout the parish.
- Continue to promote and expand project clubs such as horse, robotics, and fashion.
- Junior Leaders will work with Habitat for Humanity on local projects, and continue to volunteer at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s hospital.
- Continue to promote Science and Math Education through 4-H lessons and programming.
4. Strengthen families and communities.
- Help clientele learn the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables in their diet along with regular exercise.
- Develop a relationship with West Baton Rouge Head Start for Family Nutrition Program (FNP).
- Conduct Smart Bodies Programs in West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, & Iberville Parishes.
- Help clients learn how to make healthier food choices.