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.
Nutrition and Community Health program efforts focus on improving the overall health and nutrition of residents in Bossier Parish. Audiences in Bossier Parish that have been reached through general nutrition programming and/or healthy communities’ initiatives from January 2024-January 2025 include East 80 Library, Plain Dealing Library, Tooke Library, Ark-La-Tex Herb Society, Families Helping Families, Sun City Elementary School, Bellaire Elementary School, NWLA Human Services District, By Faith Living Word Ministries, and Benton Council on Aging. Articles are written for each bi-monthly issue in “The Best of Times Magazine”, with a readership of 61,000. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education (EFNEP) program serves limited resource audiences in Bossier parish. Sites reached through these programming efforts include Central Park Elementary School, Centerwell, CADA, Bossier Lighthouse, Rusheon Middle School, BPSTIL, Plant a Seed in Our Youth Foundation, and Cumberland Farms.
A series of leadership lessons were presented at monthly club meetings which focused on Agricultural commodities in Louisiana, showcasing the impact of the commodity and teaching youth where their food comes from. Junior Leaders took part in a separate lesson series of life skills, to prepare them for adulthood. Bossier Parish has 33 organized 4-H clubs, with 1,265 members of which there are 20 livestock exhibitors, 62 Cloverbuds and 170 youth in the shooting sports program.
Forestry is the largest grossing commodity in the state of Louisiana. In Bossier Parish, forestry, had a total economic contribution amounting to approximately 393 jobs and $21,593,375 in income and generated an output of $61,826,730 in goods and services in 2021. The largest stakeholder event in the region is the Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum held annually each February. Bossier Parish is a significant producer of row crops, cattle, horses, and poultry in the state.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media and workshops
150 volunteers from 4-H, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Master Gardeners, and Nutrition and Community Health
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Bossier Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $41,294,160; aquaculture and wildlife, $3,736,306; plant enterprises, $50,708,936.
Land area — 867 square miles; Population —128,746; Population under 18 years old — 24.0%; Population 65 years old and over — 15.7%; Median household income — $71,365; Persons below poverty — 14.2%
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.
For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSUAgCenter.com