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

The cotton core block variety on-farm demonstration was harvested. We appreciate Kody and Melanie Beavers cooperating with the LSU AgCenter with this demonstration. We started out wet this year from January until June. It became dry in July and August, and rain began again in September as soybean and cotton harvest began. Corn, cotton and soybean yields were good. Unfortunately, this year crop prices were low. We have experienced three years in a row of adverse economic conditions for our agriculture producers. We were too wet in August 2022 during corn and soybean harvests which adversely affected crop quality, 2023 was very hot and dry affecting yields and 2024 commodity prices were historically low making it hard to pay back crop loans even with good yields.

A row crop irrigation meeting was held at the Scott Center in October. Producers were able to hear from LSU AgCenter Extension Specialists on improving irrigation strategies, corn, cotton and soybean plant growth water requirements, interpreting irrigation water sample results and a prestation from the US Geological Survey on understanding our water availability from the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial aquifer.

A private pesticide applicator recertification meeting was held in December for those producers whose cards will be expiring in March 2025.We had 39 producers attend the meeting. Several other meetings will be held since this year over one hundred Franklin Parish producers need their applicator cards renewed.

4-H Youth and Family Development - Hannah Craddock

On October 31st, one of our livestock 4-H’ers; James V. showed at the Shreveport State Fair in Shreveport, LA. He won Grand Champion with his bull. Other participants in this event included Ty W. winning 2nd in showmanship, and
Thomas V.

On November 19th, the Franklin Parish Homeschool Club completed a service project by volunteering at CHOW (Challenging Hunger on Weekends). The group bagged over 1200 bags of food that will go out to children with food insecurity.

Eli Rogers successfully completed his Parish Service project. His project involved collaborating with funds2orgs in collecting shoes to donate to impoverished countries such as Haiti. The money raised by donating the shoes collected into creating a new scholarship for graduating 4-H seniors. The original goal was 2500 pairs of shoes, but Franklin Parish exceeded the goal and donated over 3000 pairs of shoes!

Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) – Quincy Vidrine

School and Community Garden – Crowville

The fall garden planting at the Crowville School & Community Garden took place on September 30. Macon Ridge Master Gardener Volunteers and Delta Health American clients, special needs adults donated their time and some tools to make this possible. The fall garden contains brussels sprouts, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, curly leaf lettuce, radishes, carrots, and many types of herbs. Lettuce was harvested before the Thanksgiving break to conduct the “Great Lettuce Crunch” – featured in the Franklin Sun. The lettuce was also incorporated into school lunches that week! This is a true Farm to Table effort in Franklin parish. Many thanks to Shelley Godard, School Garden coordinator, the Master Gardeners, and Delta Health American for their help. Friends of Crowville and SNAP Ed funding from the LSU AgCenter provided the resources needed to make this project a success.

Baskin Story Walk

The Baskin Story Walk was installed in October. The mayor and town maintenance were instrumental in getting the units installed. The LSU AgCenter provides the books that will be featured in the story walk each month. The books provided will be related to nutrition, health, and physical activity. We are putting a strong focus on agriculture as well – the November book “Right this Very Minute” walks readers/walkers from table to farm. The focus is “What are we eating, and where did it come from?” Story Walks promote increased literacy, physical activity, and family time. Take a ride out to the Baskin Park and visit the story walk!