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

Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification meetings are held between January and March every year for applicators whose cards expire at the end of March. Applicator cards are valid for three years and can be renewed by attending a recertification meeting before the card’s expiration date. If an applicator lets a card expire or if a new applicator, testing is required for certification. Presentations were given at the four Franklin Parish recertification meetings with 99 pesticide applicators renewing their card.

A Worker Protection Standard (WPS) handler training was held with 42 agricultural employees attending. All employees who work at an agricultural establishment that produces an agricultural plant for sale are required to attend annual training.

Ag Adventures was held at the Delhi Civic Center with 568 youth grades first through fourth from northeast Louisiana participating. Educational rotations at the event covered horticulture, dairy, grains and farm animals.

The annual corn core block on-farm variety demonstration has been planted. Plans are to plant a cotton and soybean core block variety demonstration also.

A presentation was given to the Winnsboro Lions Club on the agriculture economy outlook in Franklin Parish.

4-H Youth and Family Development - Hannah Craddock

January: Franklin Parish had 13 4-H’ers compete and show at the District Livestock Show. Many of them took home ribbons, plaques, banners, and belt buckles. We had several grand champions, reserve grand champions, best of breeds, and first place winners. A couple of competitors ended up competing at state and winning several other titles.

February: 37 4-H’ers competed at the Northern Regional Shooting Sports Match. Many of them placed and will be competing in the State Shooting Sports Match that takes place April 4th-13th.

March: We had 3 individuals compete in the Louisiana Food Challenge on March 12th. The mystery ingredient was eggs and Paul, Eli, and Johnathan worked together to create Omurice. A Japanese staple; an omelet on top of a bed of fried rice.

Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) - Quincy Vidrine
SNAP Ed Nutritional Educator - Sara Godard

The Franklin Parish NCH Team has a new member as of February – Sara Godard joined our team! We are happy to have Sara on our team. She has already been presenting lessons and will be in training for the next couple of months. She’s recruiting adult and youth audiences for nutrition education classes.

The special needs adult group from Delta Health American continues to attend monthly SNAP Ed Nutrition Education classes at the MERIT center in Winnsboro. They have been participating in hands on food demonstrations and meal preparation activities which have included the Healthy MyPlate Charcuterie class and the Beans for More Protein lesson where they made a black eye pea salsa and enjoyed it with whole grain crackers. The adult group has also participated in the planting of the Crowville School & Community Garden. They are excited for the Spring Garden and look forward to planting again.

The Read & Ride program is up and running at the Franklin Parish Library & Crowville School Library. The Northeast Region NCH Team obtained funding from the Living Well Foundation to purchase exercise bikes with desktops to be used by patrons and students to read while they ride. The program is designed to encourage increase literacy and library usage and increase physical activity in youth and adults. The Franklin Parish Library has also added a walking pad/treadmill that was donated when a patron requested something to walk on instead of just riding. Please stop by the library and check out the physical activity section and sign up to Read & Ride!