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 had a wet January to the middle of June. We received 42.67 inches of rain during this time from data collected at the LSU AgCenter’s Sweet Potato Research Station at Chase, LA . The average yearly rainfall for NE Louisiana is 57 inches. For the last two weeks it has become hot and dry. Producers are irrigating and hoping for rain.

The Richland Parish corn and cotton variety on-farm demonstrations are progressing. We appreciate the producers who are willing to work with us on these demonstrations. We want to welcome Dr. Shelly Kerns who has started as the LSU AgCenter’s Corn, Cotton and Grain Sorghum Extension Specialist. Her office is in Winnsboro at the Scott Research and Extension Center. She is pictured with Eddy Conley after she helped with the planting of the cotton variety demonstration on his farm.

The LSU AgCenter’s annual Agriculture Summary for 2023 showed the gross farm value in Richland Parish to be $160,775,027.

4-H and Family Development – Morgan Whitehead

Achievement Day – The Richland Parish Achievement Day was held at Poverty Point in Delhi, LA this year. Around 250 out of the 360 kids attended. The students got to participate in STEM and teambuilding activities, nutrition, and enjoy a game of kickball along with 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.

Food Challenge – Richland Parish had two teams compete in the Food Challenge in Alexandria against some other teams all over the state. These two teams got to show their knowledge of my plate, healthy cooking and their safety skills when it comes to cooking.

4-H University – Richland Parish had 16 youth attend 4-H University on LSU Campus in Baton Rouge where they got to attend clover colleges and compete in contests. We had teams compete in ATV Safety, Sports Broadcasting, Art, Vet Set Geaux and Poultry Judging. These students also attended a night assembly with youth from all over the state of Louisiana.

Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) – Brittney Newsome

Healthy Snacking, Healthy Living - In April during Richland Parish 4-H Achievement Day, two hundred fifty. 4-Hers were taught about Healthy Snacking and how to select snacks that are low in sugar, fats, and sodium. After discussing the various topics, participants were able to build their own healthy snack, according to the MyPlate guidelines and discuss the importance of each food group. They were provided the following food items to build their snack: strawberries, blueberries, grapes, dried fruits, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, pickles, olives, nuts, seeds, whole grain crackers, pretzels, cheese, and yogurt.

COOL Summer Nutrition - “Ice Cream in a Bag” - As summer reading approaches at the Richland Parish Libraries, youth participants from all over the parish are ready for loads of reading and interactive activities. This year’s theme is “Have a COOL Summer at Richland Parish Library”. To expand on the theme, participants learned about dairy, hydration, healthy snacking, and listened to the reading of “Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type”. The youth were also able to make their own personal size of ice cream in a bag by using half and half, sugar, vanilla, rock salt, and ice.

Upcoming Announcement - CHEF and Fitness Camp will be held July 31st through August 1st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Delhi Civic Center. For more information and to register, please contact us at the Richland Parish Extension Office, (318) 728-3216.