About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education to improve people's lives. Working in a 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.

Program Highlights

Nutrition and Community Health

Individuals and families today deal with multiple issues in raising children, eating right, and spending food dollars wisely. SNAP Ed Nutrition programs presented to clientele are designed to increase their nutrition knowledge which helps them live a healthier lifestyle. Healthy Communities efforts help key stakeholders identify barriers to healthy living in their communities and put plans in place to make policy, systems, and environmental changes through the work of coalitions. Youth participating in SNAP Ed Nutrition programs learn the importance of making healthier choices and the harmful effects of eating food high in calories, fat, and added sugars. WIC clients learn how to stretch their food dollars by participating in food preparation demonstrations using foods that can be purchased with their WIC vouchers.

4-H Youth Development

Youth enrolled in 4-H meet monthly and have opportunities to learn and practice parliamentary procedure, gain information about club contests, events and camps, and learn from demonstrations presented by their peers and 4-H staff. Club meeting programs include leadership, science, technology, work force preparation, fitness and health, gardening, and agriculture. Junior Leader Club members learn skills by becoming more engaged in 4-H and their community through community service and service-learning experiences. Shooting Sports members engage in activities that develop self-discipline and promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Caldwell Parish is a rural parish that has row crops and timber for the bulk of its income with many producers also raising cattle to subsidize their income. Producers are provided research-based information gathered from variety test plots planted in the parish to prepare them for the growing season. Producers learn about pasture management and pesticides which enables better care of their pastures producing higher quality hay and animals for the marketplace.

Whom We Reach:

• 1,675 youth reached through 4-H programs and SNAP Ed.
• 1,910 adults reached through agriculture and natural resources, and nutrition and community health.

How We Reach Them

• 4-H clubs.
• School enrichment.
• Field days.
• Publications.
• News articles.
• Newsletters.
• Class series.
• Website.
• Social media.
• Workshops.
• Farm and home visits.

Caldwell Parish Facts

• Land area - 529.43 square miles.
• Population - 9,554.
• Population under 18 years old - 23.1%.
• Population 65 years old and over - 19%.
• Median household income - $41,861.
• Persons in poverty - 22.7%.

LSU AgCenter agriculture and natural resources agents provide research-based information on plant, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Caldwell Parish residents. The 2023 total dollar amount from Agriculture enterprises was $5,280,223.46, from Wildlife enterprises $3,598,789.98, and from Plant enterprises $35,873,311.85.

Local Issues and Plans For This Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture.

• Continue to educate the public on the benefits of producer agriculture.
• Inform producers on all aspects of beef cattle production.
• Conduct farm and home educational visits.
• Continue educating producers on glyphosate alternatives and other farm chemicals.
• Continue research on small grains grown in our parish with on site variety demonstration test plots.
• Provide latest information on forestry, the primary source of agriculture income for Caldwell Parish.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish.
• Youth will learn and develop skills that are crucial for success in life such as self-confidence, compassion, and how to make valuable connections with others.
• Members will gain life skills in communication, citizenship, decision making, leadership, interpersonal relations, and community and global awareness.
• Project club members will have the opportunity for more in-depth study of specific projects and to become involved in community affairs.
• Clover Bud meetings will be conducted for third grade students to introduce them to the 4-H program and provide them with positive, and developmentally appropriate experiences in 4-H.

Strengthen families and communities.

• Develop Healthy Communities Coalitions to identify barriers to healthy lifestyles in the parish and communities.
• Provide Nutrition and Health programming for SNAP eligible youth and adults through classes, workshops, and social marketing tools.
• Conduct food safety programing for consumers and businesses to fight food borne illness outbreaks.
• Organize and construct painted play space areas in the community for youth and adults to be physically active.

How Is Extension Funded?

• Federal funding from the United States Department of Agriculture and National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
• State general funds from the Louisiana legislature.
• Local support from parish government, including police juries and school boards.
• Self-generated funds.

What Role Do You Play?

Our stakeholders at the parish level are the local supporters and beneficiaries of the LSU AgCenter cooperative extension programs. Their support keeps these critical programs in their communities. Each parish offers programming in 4-H and Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Family and Consumer Sciences.

Membership and participation in activities and events are open to all citizens without regards to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. If you have a disability that requires special accommodation for your participation, please contact us at 318-649-2663. The LSU AgCenter is an equal opportunity provider and employer.