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 Franklin and Richland parish recertification meetings with 110 pesticide applicators renewing their card.

A corn on-farm core block variety demonstration has been planted. Plans are also to plant a soybean and cotton variety demonstration. These on-farm demonstrations give producers the opportunity to evaluate varieties grown under local environments.

Two Worker Protection Standard (WPS) handler trainings were held with 38 agricultural employees attending. All employees who work on an agricultural establishment that produces an agricultural plant are required to attend annual training.

Presentation given on pesticide safety to Master Gardener class held at the Scott Center in Winnsboro. Presentation given to the Garden Gate Study Club and the Southern Home and Garden Club using a garden pest identification bingo game.

4-H Youth and Family Development

Two Agriculture Awareness events were held in Northeast Louisiana. Ag Alley was held in West Monroe and Ag Adventures was held in Delhi. First through fourth grade students participated. Cotton, forestry, and farm animals/livestock were the focus of the events.

The Northeast Louisiana District Livestock Show was held at the Delhi Livestock Show Barn February 1-4, 2023. Two hundred and thirty youth from northeast Louisiana participated in the show showing 581 animals. Beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits were shown by the youth. We had seven youth have Champion or Reserve Champion animals in the show and two youth won their category in Showmanship.

Three youth participated in the Area Cookery contest. We had first place in the egg category, second in the quick-n-easy ground beef category and a blue ribbon in the chicken category.

Family and Consumer Science (FCS) - Quincy Vidrine
SNAP Ed Nutritional Educator - Krissten Medlin

Franklin Parish Healthy Communities Coalition conducted a Community Partner Summit on March 14, 2023, at the Macon Ridge Research Station. Representatives from 16 different agencies offering services to Franklin parish residents gathered to construct a strategic plan for community-wide events and gatherings that promote health, wellbeing, and increased physical activity. The group played outside with the LSU AgCenter Play Streets “pop-up park” and formed workgroups to look at specific issues and barriers we have in Franklin parish that prevent us from leading more healthy lifestyles.

Crowville Healthy Communities Coalition and Friends of Crowville are implementing the LSU AgCenter’s “Geaux Shop Healthy” program at the Crowville Dollar General. The program provides signage with nutrition information to help shoppers make more healthful and wholesome food purchases for their families. Next up – “Eat Fit” will be implemented at Greer’s Catfish kitchen. Menu items that are healthy choices will be highlighted with the “Eat Fit” logo and the owners are considering adding some new and healthy items to the menu!

KidChef Workshops were conducted in January and February and will resume in May. Over 40 youth participants learned about eating healthy with MyPlate while also gaining some very useful cooking skills. They made guacamole in a bag with whole wheat tortilla chips. They also made hummus with fresh veggie chips, which they cut themselves using their newly obtained knife skills. The workshop sessions were taught by TeenChefs who have been working with Mrs. Quincy this past school year. Partners for these workshops include Friends of Crowville, Brookshires/Super One Foods, Franklin Parish Library, and NELPCO – Operation Round-Up.