Beauregard 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 working to enhance the well-being of residents by addressing chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles—areas where Louisiana has historically ranked low. In Beauregard Parish, the food and nutrition score is 52 out of 100, underscoring the urgent need for greater access to healthy food options and stronger nutrition education. Through the Flavors of Health initiative, programs such as Smart Portions, Dining with Diabetes, and Let's Eat for the Health of It, along with radio segments, news features, and youth culinary classes in partnership with 4-H, aim to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent chronic disease. All programs follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA MyPlate recommendations.

4-H Youth Development

The Beauregard Parish 4-H Program serves 300 youth ages 9–19 through 16 school-based clubs. 4-H helps young people build life skills like leadership, decision-making, communication, and service learning. Members can join clubs such as Sewing, Livestock, Chef Club, and Junior Leaders for diverse opportunities. This year, we’re broadening agricultural education beyond livestock by introducing gardening and exploring innovative technologies. Hands-on activities show that agriculture provides far more than milk, eggs, and meat—it includes many everyday byproducts. We’re also focusing on community engagement through Junior Leaders, who will lead service projects like trash cleanups and nursing home visits to make a positive impact.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Beauregard parish is comprised of 1,157.5 square miles, population of 36,646 with 13,691 households: an average of 31.7 people per square mile. The major agriculture commodity is Forestry production with three Timber/paper mills employing citizens. Other Agriculture commodities including watermelon, cantaloupe, vegetables and Agritourism. Cattle production is pursued by many small-scale producers. Ag Crops of Corn, Soybean, wheat, rice and crawfish also contribute to the parish economy. Educational efforts to improve livelihoods and ag production through workshops, meetings and educational newsletters provided on a timely and needed basis.

Whom We Reach:

300 youth and 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 and animal enterprises to Beauregard Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $31,806,827; aquaculture and wildlife, $1,758,058; plant enterprises, $71,966,815.

Land area — 1,157.48 square miles; Population —36,695; Population under 18 years old — 25.2%; Population 65 years old and over — 17.2%; 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 for the master gardener program at the Beauregard parish fair
• Inform producers on the best practices for grass growth for hay production and effective cattle grazing
• 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

• Provide Private Pesticide applicator recertification sessions and provide homeowner and producer recommendations for home pests, yard, garden and crop production best management practices to help improve production and resident livelihoods
• Work with current Master Gardeners to provide annual Spring Garden Forum, Homeowner workshops and future Master Gardener class for interested clientele
• Make site visits to evaluate home lawns and gardens as well as hazard trees on both public and private landscapes. Making visits to local farms and producers to communicate issues and form a plan of action utilizing AgCenter Researched based information

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Create hands-on, locally relevant programs that connect with parish interests like agriculture, outdoor recreation, and STEM, while opening doors to new opportunities for growth and leadership
• Empower Junior Leaders to build strong relationships and a sense of responsibility, while exploring passions that can lead to careers in farming, forestry, education, and other industries vital to our community
• Develop and implement service-learning projects across the parish to strengthen civic engagement and make a positive impact in local neighborhoods

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