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.
Allen has over 460 youth enrolled in 21 traditional 4-H clubs having an active club in all parish public schools. The Allen Parish 4-H Youth Development program strives to build youths’ feelings of belonging through experiential learning opportunities. During the club year, strategies are utilized to build a sense of connection among club members, their peers, adult volunteers, leaders, and 4-H faculty. We offer club meetings, various contests, officer training, shooting sports, award trips, 4-H camps, workshops, livestock projects and junior leadership club.
Rice and soybean producers are provided with information on production and pest management recommendations to maximize crop performance. Through e-mails, rice field days, newsletters, producer meetings, and farm and home visits. Recommended pesticide storage, use, transport, and application procedures are taught through re-certification programs for private applicators. Homeowners and gardeners are kept informed of LSU AgCenter recommendations on insect disease and management practices through web sites, farm home visits, newsletters, and bulletins.
Currently, Helping Hands food pantry staff and volunteers expressed concern that box recipients had difficulty utilizing some items in their boxes. Snap Agent, Lori Marto addressed the concern by distributing recipes to ensure that all food box recipients create healthy, delicious meals from all the food box items that they receive. The recipe of the month has reached over 200 Helping Hands recipients, who look forward to trying and sharing the recipe.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, websites, social media and workshops
300 volunteers from 4-H, family, and community. 75 youth volunteers.
Allen Parish is located in Southwest Louisiana. There are three major towns in the mostly rural parish: Kinder, Oberlin, and Oakdale. LSU AgCenter parish agents provide research-based information on multiple commodities. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Forestry, $33,931,242; Agronomic Crops, $19,646,765; Animal enterprises, $10,703,687; Crawfish production, $8,498,114.
Land area — 775 square miles; Population —22,112; Population under 18 years old — 23%; Population 65 years old and over — 15.1%; Median household income — $51,138; Persons in poverty — 20.1%
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.