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. In Beauregard Parish, the food and nutrition score is 52/100, indicating a significant need for improved access to healthy food options and better nutrition education. Beauregard’s Flavors of Health and SNAP-Ed programs offer nutrition education through classes and media. They host “Wellness Wednesday” with WIC, Learning Labs at DeRidder’s Library, and the Eat Smart, Live Strong series for older adults. They also provide classes for expecting mothers and participate in health fairs.

4-H Youth Development

The incidence of youth bullying is rising at an alarming rate, not only in Beauregard Parish, but across the country. In a six-week series of classes, 400 4-H youth learned the importance of making healthy life choices through participating in lesson studies related to Art for Clover Buds, Safe or Sorry for elementary students and Life Skills two for Jr. High and High School students. As a result of participating in this program, 30% of youth reported better critical thinking skills and decision making processes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Beauregard Parish is comprised of most of the timber property that is either privately owned or corporately owned. Many homeowners have small poultry flocks and grow some type of garden. Many questions are answered related to home yard and garden care including pest management and fertility. Beauregard Parish has an active Master Gardener group who holds regular educational events and displays at the Beauregard Parish Fair.

Whom We Reach:

400 youth 30 adults through our clubs and natural resources established in our 14 school clubs spread throughout the parish

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, workshops, livestock involvement, shooting sports, STEM projects, and fundraisers

Expanding Our Efforts:

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

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, forestry and animal enterprises to Beauregard Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $21,898,458; aquaculture and wildlife, $2,269,055; plant enterprises, $44,807,790.

Land area — 1,157.48 square miles; Population —36,827; Population under 18 years old — 25.5%; Population 65 years old and over — 16.5%; Median household income — $64,995; Persons below poverty — 15.7%

Local Issues & Plans for this year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture

• Continue the Master Gardener classes
• Recruit new members to join the master gardener classes at the Beauregard Parish fair
• Inform producers on the best practices for grass growth for hay production and effective cattle grazing and crop production as well as home landscape and gardens
• Write news columns, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits

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

• Develop a comprehensive tree management plant and tree best management practices plan for guidelines of trees on public property
• Make site visits to evaluate home and garden issues on both public and private landscapes, as well as making visits to local farms and producers to communicate issues and form a plan of action and make sound recommendations for key issues

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Work with master gardeners to help implement more youth gardening educational opportunities
• Junior Leaders will work with CASA, character education projects and fashion club members on promoting youth development activities

Strengthen families and communities

• Implement nutrition programs that promote healthier lifestyles by improving dietary choices and increasing physical activity among youth and adults, leading to sustainable behavior changes
• Provide training on food safety and healthy lifestyle changes to improve overall well-being
• Enhance school gardens and support the Farm to School program in local education institutions

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