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.
Catahoula Parish falls above the Louisiana state average in health data including cancers, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Over 37% of our Louisiana children are reported as obese. We are at a critical point in educating our youth and adult population on the risks of unhealthy lifestyles. Nutrition education is provided through FCS agents in the forms of classes, workshops, social media, and local outreach through promoting physical activity. Education focuses on eating a balanced diet, exercise, budgeting, and food safety. Local Area Nutrition Agent has hosted an educational cooking seminar for youth to learn about safe food preparation.
Parish 4-H programs are focusing on Healthy Living using the
Growing Minds Toolkit from the Seeds to Success program. Youth and volunteers
have opportunities to participate in pet shows, cookery contests as well as
other events and workshops. Shooting Sports remains to increase in each year.
4-H Food Challenge has been a successful venture. Service-learning projects are
held throughout the year to reach communities in need. Youth continue to engage
in summer and specialty camp activities along with 4-H University. Youth
experience hands-on activities with District and State Livestock shows, Ag
Expo, Ag Alley, and Ag Adventures. Youth develop leadership skills through
serving as officers of local clubs, junior leadership club, conducting parish
contests and Regional Leadership Board.
Catahoula is a major agriculture parish that produces cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum, and rice. Every growing season brings on its own unique issues therefore, farmers rely on information from the LSU AgCenter to remain profitable. Core block variety demonstrations are conducted on farms within the parish to provide variety performance data to help producers make the best decisions during planting. In addition, the Delta Master Gardener members have worked intensely with the community to share their knowledge and skills with others.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, workshops, home/farm visits, social media websites
197 volunteers from 4-H, FCS programs and community involvement, producer demonstrations, multi-parish/state/organizational education efforts, Ag Expo, Ag Alley, Ag Adventures.
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Catahoula Parish residents. The total dollar amounts from these commodities were:
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