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

Family and Consumer Sciences

Individuals and families today deal with multiple issues in raising children, eating right and spending smart in order to live well. Nutrition programs presented to clientele are designed to increase their nutrition knowledge which in turn helps them live a healthier lifestyle. Youth participating in AgCenter nutrition programs learn the importance of making healthier choices and the harmful effects of eating food high in calories, fat, and sugar over an extended period of time. WIC clients learn how to stretch their food dollars by participating in food preparation demonstrations using ingredients that can be purchased with their WIC vouchers.

4-H Youth Development

Youth enrolled in 4-H, grades 4-12, meet monthly and have the opportunity to learn and practice parliamentary procedure, gain information about club contests, events and camps and learn from demonstrations presented by their peers and 4-H staff. Club meeting programs include leadership, science, technology, work force preparation, fitness and health, gardening, and agriculture. Junior Leader Club members learn skills by becoming more engaged in 4-H and their community through community service and service-learning experiences. Shooting Sports members engage in activities that develop self-discipline and promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Caldwell Parish is a rural parish that has row crops and timber for the bulk of its income with many producers also raising cattle to subsidize their income. The LSU AgCenter provides producers with research-based information gathered from variety test plots planted in the parish to prepare them for the growing season. Producers learn about pasture management and pesticides which enables better care of their pastures producing higher quality hay and animals for the marketplace. Producers are growing more corn and soybeans in the parish due to the rising cost associated with growing cotton.

Who We Reach

• 1,495 youth reached through 4-H programs and SNAP-Ed programs
• 1,374 adults reached through agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences

How We Reach Them

• 4-H clubs and school enrichment
• Field days and site visits
• Publications and newsletters
• Class series
• Website and social media
• Workshops

Caldwell Parish Facts

• Land area - 529.43 square miles
• Population - 9,571
• Persons under 18 years old - 22.6%
• Persons 65 years old and over - 18.7%
• Median household income - $41,861
• Persons in poverty - 21.4%

LSU AgCenter County agents provide research-based information on plant, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Caldwell Parish residents. The 2022 total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal Enterprises $4,603,919, Fisheries and Wildlife $3,598,563, Plant Enterprises $24,377,716.

Local Issues and Plans for this Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture.

• The LSU AgCenter will continue to educate the public on the benefits of producer agriculture.
  
• Conduct public meetings on agriculture
• Conduct farm and home educational visits
• Continue educating producers on glyphosate alternatives and other farm chemicals
• Continue research on the small grains grown in our parish with on-site farm variety demonstration test plots
• Provide public with more information on forestry, the primary source of agriculture income for Caldwell Parish
• Inform producers on all aspects of beef cattle production

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish.
• Youth will learn and develop skills that are crucial for success in life such as self-confidence, compassion, and how to make valuable connections with others.
• Members will gain life skills in communication, citizenship, decision-making, leadership, interpersonal relations and community and global awareness.
• Project club members will have the opportunity for more in-depth study of specific projects and to become involved in community affairs.
• Conduct Clover Bud meetings for third grade students to introduce them to the 4-H program and provide them with positive and developmentally appropriate experiences in 4-H

Strengthen families and communities.

• Develop Healthy Communities Coalitions to identify barriers to healthy lifestyles in the parish communities.
• Provide Nutrition and Health programming for SNAP eligible youth and adults through classes, workshops, and social marketing tools
• Conduct food safety programing for consumers and businesses to fight food borne illness outbreaks
• Organize and construct painted play space areas in the community for youth and adults to be physically active

Extension Funding

FY 2022-2023

How we are funded:

You are the local supporters and beneficiaries of the LSU AgCenter extension programs. Your support keeps these programs in your communities.

Your parish extension office offers programs in:

• Sustaining Louisiana agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
• Building leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development
• Family, nutrition and health to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana's citizens

LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds for FY 2022-2023:

• State General Direct: 78.01%
• Federal Funds: 12.06%
• Self-Generated: 6.31%
• Statutory Dedications: 3.62%

For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSUAgCenter.com

Membership and participation in activities and events are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, veteran status or disability. If you have a disability that requires special accommodation for your participation, please contact us at 318-649-2663. The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.