1. Calendar of Events
October
- Virtual Pumpkin Decorating Contest (All Month, deadline Oct. 23)
- State Fair of Louisiana Entries due (Oct. 1)
- National 4-H Week (Oct. 5–11)
- Livestock Town Hall (Oct. 7)
- State Forestry Contest (Oct. 16)
- Livestock Show T-Shirt Design Contest Due (Oct. 17)
- Greater Baton Rouge State Fair (Oct. 23–Nov. 2)
- Spark ▪ Action ▪ Change | Summit 7th & 8th Graders (deadline Oct. 31)
- Camp Catch Phrase Contest (Oct. 31)
November
- Validation/Possession Date for Livestock (Nov. 10)
- Challenge Camp - 7th graders (Nov. 11–12)
- Bash on the Bayou (Nov. 15)
- Possession date for Mini Cattle (Nov. 17)
- Thanksgiving – Office Closed (Nov. 27–28)
December
- Holiday Wreath Decorating Contest (All month)
- Validation/Possession Date for Swine (Dec. 1)
- Redstick Poultry Show (Dec. 6)
- South Central District Livestock Show Entry Deadline (Dec. 8)
- Holiday - Office Closed (Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2026)
More Information on Upcoming Events!
More Information on Project Clubs!
2. National 4-H Week: Beyond Ready – EBR 4-H is Unlimited
October 5–11, 2025
Monday, October 6 – Go Green Day!
Wear all things green to show your 4-H spirit!
Use hashtags:
#4HBeyondReady & #National4HWeek
Display Contest:
Decorate a space using the “Beyond Ready” theme.
Submit photos by Oct. 7.
Judging: Oct. 8–12
Enter Contest
Displace Contest Information:
Celebrate National 4-H Week by decorating a bulletin board, wall, or lobby area that reflects this year’s theme: Beyond Ready - EBR 4-H is Unlimited! Submit a photo of your display by the deadline. Judges will evaluate entries, and the public can vote for the People’s Choice Award on our Facebook page. Photos must be uploaded or emailed by Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Judging will be from Oct. 8-12.
4-H Spotlight – Nominate Someone Amazing!
Nominate a youth or adult volunteer in East Baton Rouge Parish who has accomplished something awesome and deserves a shout-out for overcoming challenges or making a difference.
Recognized nominees will be featured in a Member/Volunteer Spotlight on social media and in the parish 4-H newsletter. You may submit more than one nomination, and self-nominations are welcome!
Nomination Form
Backyard Buddies
Meeting: October 5 at 2pm at Shady Park in Central.
Topics: Biosecurity, Husbandry, and Common Illnesses of Poultry and Rabbits
East Baton Rouge 4-H’s Backyard Buddies Club teaches members the ins-and-outs of raising small animals. Youth will gain hands-on experience with feeding, housing, and showmanship while building responsibility and confidence. With experienced leaders, members are encouraged to jump right into the world of small livestock.
Note: While Cloverbuds (K–3) can participate in Backyard Buddies activities, members must be 9 years old (as of January 1, 2026) - 12th grade to be eligible to show livestock animals at parish, district, and state 4-H events.
EBR 4-H/FFA Livestock Town Hall
EBR 4-H/FFA Livestock Town Hall
The East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H and FFA livestock community is invited to attend the upcoming Livestock Town Hall on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Zachary Library, Meeting Room 2 (1900 Church St., Zachary, LA 70791).
This meeting will provide an open forum for families to share input and help guide the future of the parish livestock program. All exhibitors and parents are encouraged to attend in person. Participants enrolled in 4-H Online who attend will be entered into a drawing for one of five free YQCA coupon codes.
Key Updates and Reminders
- DNA Validation Kits are available at the 4-H office. Kits will also be distributed at the Town Hall.
- Rabbit Rules have been updated and are posted on the LSU AgCenter website Families should review the latest version carefully.
- Enrollment Required: All exhibitors must be enrolled in 4-H Online for the 2025–2026 year. Parish FFA exhibitors will not be charged a fee.
- Stay Connected: Join the EBR Livestock GroupMe for quick reminders and updates.
2026 Livestock Show Dates
- EBR Parish Show – Saturday, January 24, 2026 (Location TBA)
- South Central District Show – January 28–31, 2026, Covington
- LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show – February 14–21, 2026, Lamar Dixon Expo Center

Field Notes (Ag/Horticulture)
October is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and plant cool-season vegetables in Louisiana! Crops like lettuce, radish, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days. Whether you're planting in raised beds, containers, or a backyard plot, fall gardening is a fun and rewarding way to stay active outdoors. Don’t forget to water consistently and watch for pests as your garden grows! You can find seeds and transplants at your local garden center!
Ashley Barfield
- Assistant Extension Agent | Horticulture
- East Baton Rouge & Iberville Parishes
- LSU AgCenter
- Phone: (225) 963-6354
- 9050 Airline Highway Suite 120
- Baton Rouge, LA 70815
- abarfield@agcenter.lsu.edu
Fuel 4 Life (Cooking Club)
Every fourth Tuesday afternoon, the sounds of laughter will mix with the aroma of good food. It is the date of our Cooking Club “Fuel for Life.” Not only will we be preparing meals, but we will be sparking creativity, building teamwork and enjoying friends.
Each month we will be exploring new recipes while learning practical kitchen skills.
So, if you are looking for a warm, welcoming space to learn, laugh, and share delicious meals, consider this invitation. Pull out your apron and join us on October 28, 2025.
The club will meet at the East Baton Rouge Extension Office, 9050 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70815 (Location is at the back of the building, behind the Clerk of Court).
We had an amazing time at our last cooking club meeting! Together, we rolled up our sleeves, shared lots of laughs, and created a delicious fruit salsa. If you miss this one, don’t worry, our next meeting is coming. We would love to see you there!
Contact: Eva Davis
edavis@agcenter.lsu.edu| 225-963-6340
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Deadline to Enter: Oct. 23, 2025
Winners Announced: Oct. 31 @ 6PM on EBR 4-H Facebook
Open to: All enrolled youth & adult volunteers
Age Divisions: Cloverbud (8 & under), Junior (9–11), Intermediate (12–14), Senior (15–HS), Adult
Categories: 4-H Spirit, Character, Halloween, Any Other Theme
Rules:
- One entry per person per category
- Must be original work
- Keep it family-friendly (paint, decorate, or carve)
- Submit photos by Oct. 23
Submit Entry
Spark ▪ Action ▪ Change | Summit
Empowering Louisiana 7th–8th graders to lead through service and civic action
The Spark ▪ Action ▪ Change | Summit is a three-day, immersive experience designed for Louisiana 4-H members in grades 7–8 who are passionate about government relations, community service, and personal leadership development. Through hands-on workshops, engaging campus and community tours, and collaborative service projects, participants will deepen their understanding of civic engagement, refine practical leadership skills, and strengthen their sense of social responsibility.
Learn more on the Spark ▪ Action ▪ Change | Summit
website
Spark ▪ Action ▪ Change | Summit — Extended Promo
Who Should Attend
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Eligible Participants: Louisiana 4-H members in 7th–8th grade with interest in leadership, service, and civic education.
When & Where
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Dates: February 19–21, 2026
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Location: LSU Campus, Baton Rouge, LA
Note: Transportation to and from Baton Rouge is not included.
Cost
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$125 per participant
Registration includes lodging, meals, educational experiences, and conference swag.
Registration
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How to Register: All registrations must be initiated by the parish 4-H Agent in 4-H Online.
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Registration Window: Open now through October 31, 2025 with a 2-per-parish limit.
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After October 31: Beginning November 1, 2025, any remaining spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What Youth Will Do
Participants will:
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Take part in interactive leadership workshops focused on communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.
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Explore civic processes and public service through engaging tours and conversations with community partners.
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Complete a team-based service project that connects learning to impact.
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Build networks with peers from across Louisiana and set personal action plans to continue service at home.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the summit, youth will be able to:
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Explain key concepts of civic engagement and how local/state decisions affect communities.
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Demonstrate leadership skills in planning, collaboration, and reflection.
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Identify practical ways to serve their communities and sustain momentum beyond the event.