Assumption Parish Profile

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

Nutrition and Community Health agents and educators are improving the overall health of residents by helping to reduce chronic diseases which are related to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles and improving the health outcomes in which Louisiana has traditionally ranked so low. This community-based work helps individuals and families adopt the nutrition and physical activity principles we have long been teaching.

4-H Youth Development

4-H in Assumption Parish is a fun and exciting youth organization that offers hands on learning through project work, demonstrations, contests, workshops, camps and service-learning activities. Through educational programs, demonstrations, and hands on activities, Assumption youth have gained valuable knowledge and life skills through participation in parish, state, and national programs. Assumption 4-H provides youth with the opportunity to develop such life skills as self-esteem, decision making, social interaction, and practical knowledge. 4-H’ers in Assumption Parish are “Learning by Doing”.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is a 49+ million-dollar industry in Assumption Parish. Sugarcane and soybeans are grown on nearly 40,000 acres in the parish. Through continued educational efforts such as growers’ meetings and field days producers of these agronomic commodities are given research-based information on weed, insect, and disease control practices. In addition, through pesticide recertification residents and producers are educated on the safe handling, use and storage of pesticides contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.

Whom We Reach:

• 5,000 youth (includes 300 4-H members and 9 school 4-H Clubs)
• 10,500 adults through Agriculture and Natural Resources and through Nutrition and Community Health

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

Over 200 volunteers from 4-H, family and community, and farmers help provide educational opportunities.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plants, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Assumption Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $2,267.56; aquaculture and wildlife, $5,166,776; plant enterprises, $63,585,946.

Land area — 339 square miles; Population —21,039; Population under 18 years old — 21%; Population 65 years old and over — 18%; Median household income — $52,546; Persons below poverty — 17%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct sugarcane field day
• Conduct farm and home educational visits
• Write news columns, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct Pesticide Certification

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

• Deliver the latest research to assist in harvest sustainability, marketing, and product quality assurance.
• Conduct Sugarcane Field Day and Grower's Meetings.
• Conduct farm and home educational visits.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Conduct educational programs focusing on Healthy Habits to the youth through 4-H club meetings.
• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Provide youth with leadership opportunities
• Retain, train, and utilize volunteers

Strengthen families and communities

• Conduct nutrition programs that help create healthy communities by improving overall nutrition and increasing physical activity levels, in youth and adults, which will help produce long-lasting behavior changes
• Collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders on parish needs assessment
• Teach nutrition lessons and healthy recipe demonstrations to audiences throughout the parish
• Utilize economic development strategies to improve the local food system and build an environment so that community members can better access healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity.

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:

• Nutrition and Community Health
• 4-H and Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources