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The LSU AgCenter provides Louisiana with research-based educational information to improve lives and economic well-being. The AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment and improving the quality of life through 4-H youth, family and consumer sciences and community development programs. The AgCenter is one of the 8 LSU campuses, and consists of 16 research stations, 64 parish extension offices and 13 academic departments, a statewide campus bringing university information and outreach to every corner of Louisiana.
County agent Jim McCann trained 35 private pesticide applicators during recertification meetings held in Caldwell, LaSalle and surrounding parishes. Applicators received current information on drift record keeping, bees, labeling, and worker protection standards. Agent McCann also conducted pesticide safety training in the Worker Protection Standards program for 10 farm laborers who regularly use or handle pesticides while working in the fields.
An LSU AgCenter test plot containing 14 corn varieties was planted by a local producer. Agent Jim McCann will monitor the plot and collect data on rainfall and fertilization rates, tillage, and weed, insect and disease control requirements as well as stand count to help farmers choose varieties that will produce the best yields.
Area cattle producers were given updates on current FSA cattle programs in Caldwell, LaSalle, Catahoula and Ouachita parishes.
Thirty-eight homeowners received assistance with disease and insect issues in their home gardens and lawns, soil sampling to determine fertilization rates and water sampling to address issues in their recreational ponds.
Agent McCann provided assistance during the first annual Wildlife Field Day conducted by Area Wildlife and Forestry Agent Luke Stamper. Over 60 people from across the state attended this event held in Columbia and learned about food plots, feral hog management, forest management and equipment calibration.
Agent Jim McCannn helped 4-H Livestock Show Team members prepare for the Northeast District Livestock Show held in Delhi. Members participating in livestock projects gain knowledge in science and animal husbandry, and confidence by showing their animals during competition.
In the first quarter of 2021, 4-H agent Jana Bennett presented programs on Cookie Commodities, Plant Science and Physics to 191 youth during monthly 4-H club meetings. During April meetings, 234 youth participated in a Science Lab lesson study and a Cloverbuds Ag Literacy lesson study.
Two Caldwell 4-H Livestock Show Team members participated in the Northeast District Livestock Show held in Delhi where they won numerous awards for their livestock projects, showmanship skills and premier exhibitor knowledge. One show team member advanced to state livestock competition held in Gonzales. Three Horse Show Team members attended the Northeast District Horse Show held in West Monroe. Members competed in the Barrel Racing, Pole Bending and Stake Race speed events winning multiple first, second and third place finishes with one Caldwell member winning second place for High Points earned during competition.
Due to COVID restrictions, this year's Fall Foods Festival Cookery contest was converted to a Commodity Poster Contest in which nine members choose a Louisiana commodity and created posters containing the nutritional value and a recipe using the commodity. Commodity categories were Rice, Pecan, Sweet Potato, Egg, Chicken and Beef. Five of the posters were sent to the Area Poster Contest where two won first place, one placed second, one placed third and one awarded a blue ribbon. Thirteen 4-H members competed in the Demonstration and Personal Development contests during the Virtual Communications and Career Competition held in February. Seven entries were submitted for the Beef Poster Contest. Members entering this contest learned about beef by creating a poster telling the story of beef and beef products. Fifteen 4-H'ers entered the Dairy Billboard contest which promotes dairy education throughout Louisiana each year. Fifteen 4-H'ers participated in the annual Pet Show where they competed in the Dog, Small Animal and Large Animal categories. Nineteen 4-H members and 12 adult volunteers participating in the Fishing Clinic learned about water and outdoor safety and spent the morning angling for fish to enter in the Biggest Fish and Most Fish contests. One Caldwell member competed in the 4-H University It's Sew You Fashion Contest held in Alexandria.
Twenty-six Caldwell 4-H members participated in the shotgun, rifle and archery disciplines during the Northern Regional Shooting Sports Competition held in Grand Cane. Caldwell members earned multiple first and second place awards in all three disciplines. Fifteen members qualified for state competition held in south Louisiana where several Caldwell members placed in the top five in their divisions with three winning state championships.
Eight Caldwell 4-H'ers were presented 4-Star Member awards for the 2020-2021 club year. One graduating 4-H member received the Scott Foundation, Lola Caldwell Memorial, and Gracie Crockett Memorial scholarship awards.
Caldwell 4-H members along with 4-H members from Concordia, East Carroll, Richland and Tensas parishes attended Challenge Camp at Lake Bruin in Tensas Parish. Members spent the day working together to find solutions to complete multiple challenges and obstacle courses. Students attending the Caldwell Parish Summer Accelerated Learning Camp participated in Science, Engineering and Technology enrichment lessons presented by agent Jana Bennett that focused on the Blue Earth, Watersheds, Water Pollution and a Lego Engineering Boat Challenge.
Membership and participation in activities and events are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. If you have a disability that requires special accommodation for your participation, please contact us at 318-649-2663. The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
