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

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a community nutrition outreach program funded by the USDA and National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Over 300 families and youth participated in the EFNEP which seeks to educate limited resource audiences on eating healthy on a budget to lessen risks of chronic disease and obesity. The EFNEP population is of diverse, limited resource individuals who are responsible for preparing family meals, have children under the age of 18 living in the home, pregnant, receiving free/reduced lunch and between the ages of 5-18. This program’s areas of focus are diet quality and physical activity, food resource management, food safety and food security.

4-H Youth Development

Acadia Parish proudly serves over 1,200 youth through 28 traditional 4-H clubs for ages 9 to 19. Our program emphasizes hands-on learning via educational activities and projects in schools, camps, and clubs. We focus on leadership, science, and service learning, offering specialized clubs in areas such as Sewing, Art, Beekeeping, Livestock, Horse Workshops, Junior Leadership, and Shooting Sports. Acadia Parish is committed to enhancing and building upon the strong foundation of our 4-H Youth Development Program for years to come.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture significantly boosts Acadia Parish’s economy, with 2024 seeing the cultivation of 87,000 acres of rice, 12,000 acres of soybeans, 93,000 acres of crawfish, 6,000 acres of sugarcane, and approximately 10,000 head of cattle. Producers actively participate in educational programs by serving on the advisory committee. The County Agent conducts educational programs, field days, and two pesticide re-certifications to help increase yields. Horticulture in the parish is diverse, featuring fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops. Throughout the year, calls and home visits address various horticultural issues. School gardens foster teamwork and environmental education among students. The Acadia Parish LSU AgCenter offers public seminars, research-based educational materials, and access to specialists for addressing concerns.

Whom We Reach:

• 42,785 youth (includes 1,250 4-H members and 36 school 4-H Clubs)
• 24,901 adults (3,548 through Agriculture and Natural Resources and 21,353 through Nutrition and Community Health initiatives)

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media and workshops.

Expanding Our Efforts:

730 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community and Master Horseman.

Parish Facts:

information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Acadia

Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal

enterprises, $19,612,786; aquaculture and wildlife, $45,650,331; plant

enterprises, $140,651,675. Land area — 655.2 square miles; Population —57,576;

Population under 18 years old — 25.8%; Population 65 years old and over —

15.8%; Median household income — $44,977; Persons below poverty — 23.7%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture.

• Rice & Soybean Production Day
• Rice & Soybean Field Day
• News column, radio programs for the public
• Email updates and newsletters
• Farm and home educational visits

Promote the wide use of natural resources and protection of the environment.

• Share announcements, updates, and training schedules for the Louisiana Master Farmer program.
• Offer educational sessions on the advantages of using cover crops in farming.
• Conduct seminars and training sessions focused on pesticide safety.

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

• Enhance the existing volunteer development program to include additional resources and incentives
• Marketing Extension programs

Strengthen families and communities

• Nutrition and Community Health clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget.
• Guidelines for maintaining safety and proper conduct on social media platforms.
• Programs designed to prepare individuals for entering the workforce.
• Workshops on effective strategies for managing time efficiently.
• Educational sessions on the principles of good nutrition.

How is Extension Funded?

• Federal funding from the USDA/ NIFA
• 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
• Nutrition and Community Health

For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSUAgCenter.com