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

We experienced a record breaking hot and dry summer in Louisiana. The weather station at the Sweet Potato Research Station at Chase recorded 23 days over 100°F and 7 days above 90°F in August. There was only 0.57 inches of rain recorded for the month. Non-irrigated corn, cotton and soybean yields were impacted the most with some non-irrigated soybeans not being harvested. The number of times crops needed to be irrigated increased which increase production costs. The impact was greatest on beef cattle and on our dairy producer. Pastures dried up and hay production was reduced by 65 percent. Many cattle producers are reducing their herd size due to the lack of hay. Milk production was reduced by 12 percent for our dairy.

The cotton core block variety on-farm demonstration was harvested. We appreciate Kody and Melanie Beavers cooperating with the LSU AgCenter with this demonstration.

An Ag Tour for the Louisiana Delta Community College Franklin Parish Leadership Class was organized. We toured the Franklin Cotton Warehouse, the Miller’s dairy, Goldman Equipment, the Sweet Potato Research Station, Anderson Grain Elevator and heard about the Franklin Parish catfish industry from Haring’s Pride. The class members got an overview of the diversity of agriculture in the parish and the economic impact the industry has in the parish.

4-H Youth and Family Development – Mark Ricard

The Homeschool and Gilbert Elementary 4-H Clubs held successful popcorn fundraisers that will provide funds for their club activities. This joint effort provided the opportunity for camaraderie among the 4-Her’s that participated. During this quarter, the Northeast 4-H Regional Leadership Board hosted a retreat, assembling a group of talented members. This retreat helped the members shape the organization's future endeavors by facilitating the planning of upcoming service-learning projects.

Encouraging youth to participate in community service is a goal of 4-H Youth Development. Franklin Parish 4-H club members decided to hold a sock drive donating the socks to M.E.R.I.T. for distribution in the community this holiday season.

4-H Club members had the opportunity to participate in a cookery contest, informative alligator workshop, and a pumpkin workshop added a touch of creativity, where members carved pumpkins while learning valuable nutrition facts. The tree leaf identification contest brought an educational and fun element.As we anticipate the upcoming year, we are excited about building a stronger 4-H Youth development program.

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

Franklin Parish Healthy Communities Coalition continues to work with Franklin Medical Center on obtaining needs assessment data in the parish to determine future programming and PSE changes that need to be addressed. The Franklin Parish Police Jury (on behalf of the Crowville Community), the town of Wisner, and the village of Baskin all received technical assistance from the LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities Area Nutrition Agent and submitted letters of intent for the “Thriving Communities Grant” which would provide monies for grant writing services, & consulting needed to submit LTAP grants to DOTD in 2024.

SNAP-Ed educational resources were distributed at Franklin Parish Head Start Fall Festival and Health Fair.Parents and caregivers were provided with important information on how to prevent lead poisoning, how to be physically active as a family, and fun ways to remember how many servings of fruits and vegetables all family members need daily for proper nutrition.Food safety resource materials were also distributed to remind kids and adults about proper hand washing techniques and safe food handling practices to prevent food borne illness.

The Delta American Day Group and SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, Krissten Medlin, have been meeting at the M.E.R.I.T. center monthly for nutrition education lessons, food demonstrations with tastings, and fun physical activities. It is all smiles when this group gets together to talk about healthy food choices, try tasty new recipes, and utilize the facility’s gymnasium. Participants love having picnics and some friendly competitions playing basketball, table tennis, and air hockey after learning about ways to live a healthier life.