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) – Nate Jennings

With the valuable collaboration of producers, agricultural research efforts in Richland Parish are significant this season. There has been a soybean demonstration plot planted as well as a potassium trial in soybeans placed in Richland Parish.

The Soybean Demonstration Plot will monitor the yield of eleven different soybean varieties. The information gained will assist producers in variety selection for coming growing seasons. The Potassium trial is to focus on soybeans that are deficient in potassium, but do not show the typical signs of deficiencies. These symptoms are called “Hidden Hunger” which may affect yield and crop development, thus allowing LSU AgCenter to assist producers in possibly refining fertilization practices.

All row crops in Richland Parish have been planted despite receiving significant amounts of rainfall during the planting season. The wheat and oats that were planted in the parish have been harvested also. The summer crops are off to a good start with hopes of high yields. Some concerns with the rainfall would be disease in crops as well as issues with pollination in some of the corn crops. Corn crops are currently between R4-R5 Growth Stage with Maturity or Black Layer coming soon. Soybeans range from R2-R4 Growth Stages depending on when planted.

Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) Brittney Newsome

Nourish To Prevent “An Educational Cancer Prevention Series”: This three-part educational series took place on April 10th, 17th, and 24th at the Cool Kids Building, with twenty-three participants in attendance. The pilot program was designed to educate adults with a general interest in cancer prevention, those at high risk for cancer, and cancer survivors seeking to reduce the risk of recurrence. Topics covered included: “What is Cancer?” “Nutrition and Physical Activity” and how to focus on foods that help prevent chronic disease. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, including creating a salt-free Cajun seasoning using a variety of herbs and spices, and assembling a healthy charcuterie board.

Chef and Fitness Camp: To jumpstart the summer, the LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health, and Southern AgCenter agents hosted a CHEF and Fitness Camp for eleven youth ages 9-17 at the Delhi Civic Center. Participants started the day with learning about MyPlate and the importance of healthy eating, snacking, and physical activity. Next, the youth conducted hands-on culinary activities to prepare their meals for the day, which ranged from knife skills and understanding kitchen equipment and food safety techniques. Our participants ended each day with Fitness Fun, which consisted of Cardio Drumming, Dodge Ball, Yoga, and many other fun activities to promote a healthier lifestyle.

4-H Youth and Family Development

Achievement Day

The Richland Parish Achievement Day was held at the Delhi Learning Center this year. Approximately 206 youth attended the event. The students participated in teambuilding activities, nutrition, and a variety of physical activities. learning about some livestock. At the end of the day, the club members were presented with their awards that they had earned over the course of the year.

4-H University

Richland Parish had 7 youth attend 4-H University on LSU Campus in Baton Rouge where they got to attend clover colleges and compete in different contest. We had teams compete in ATV Safety, Zero Turn, Vet Set Geaux, Ready to Wear and 4-H Has Talent. These students also attended a night assembly with youth from all over the state of Louisiana.