About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter provides 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.

Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) - Carol Pinnell-Alison

It was a difficult production year for Franklin Parish producers. Weather extremes caused reduced yield and quality for all row crops produced in the parish. Needed rain during the growing season did not come until time to harvest. Then in mid-August it began to rain and continued for several weeks.

The cotton variety on-farm demonstration was harvested in October. Harvest efficiency, yield, and quality were reduced by the weather. Cotton lint was lost during harvest on the ground due to the bolls not fully opening. The lint took up moisture causing what is called “hard locks”. These hard locks just fell on the ground when the picker went through the field.

A presentation was given to the Wisner Garden Club. The club members played a pest management bingo game.

4-H Youth and Family Development

The 4-H Youth Development program was in full swing this quarter with monthly club meetings in the schools and the home school club. We have 284 youth enrolled presently. The club programs focused on agriculture. Contests and activities included a tree leaf identification contest, cookery contest, a pumpkin decorating activity. Agriculture Photography contest associated with Ag Expo, livestock entries collected for the NELA Livestock Show in Delhi in February, the Jr. Leader Club made Christmas Cards for residents in a local nursing home, and the shooting sports after-school program began safety trainings and practices for the regional contest.

Our 4-H State Executive Board members, Eli Rogers and Samantha Shelton helped with the NELA 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum and Neal West, Shooting Sports Volunteer Leader, was inducted into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame.

Family and Consumer Science (FCS) – Quincy Vidrine, Nutrition Educator - Krissten Medlin

The Franklin Parish FCS Advisory Leadership Council listed having community partners and agencies come together to network and provide a menu of services to the community as a “critical need”. To eliminate the gap that existed between community partners and the general public the Franklin Parish Healthy Community Coalition coordinated the Health Resource Expo which took place in September at the Jack Hammons Community Center in Winnsboro. Thirty-eight agencies that service the parish participated in this inaugural event. Over 47 residents of Franklin Parish attended. The coalition intends to host a Spring Play Streets Event that will be open to the public.

Crowville Healthy Communities Coalition is moving forward with walkability efforts and safe walkway planning. The Friends of Crowville representative, Mr. Nick Poulos attended the Complete Streets Summit in Baton Rouge, with Area Nutrition Agent, Quincy Vidrine on October 6, 2022. A Walk Audit in Crowville is planned for January 11, 2023. DOTD officials will join Crowville residents for a walk around the community to formulate a walkability plan.

Teen Cuisine Fall Session kicked off in Crowville with herb identification and lots of food prep going on! Six teens from Crowville and surrounding areas committed to participating in the Teen Cuisine 4-H Special Project Club for the 2022-23 school year. Food safety and culinary instruction from FCS Area Nutrition Agent, Quincy Vidrine. The youth learned about herbs, tasted some of them and used them in several recipes. The group also took home 1st place in the Crowville Fall Festival Chili Cook-off!