About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education to improve people’s lives. Working in a unique 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

4-H Youth Development

The Claiborne Parish 4-H Youth Development program provides opportunities for youth ages 9-19 to develop a greater sense of belonging to their communities and peers. Through hands-on workshops, trainings, trips, club meetings and other social activities youth learn and are able to demonstrate life skills to help them be more productive citizens. Approximately 17% of the total parish student population is enrolled in 4-H. (Source: Claiborne Parish School Board, Claiborne Academy, and Mt. Olive Christian School). Today’s 4-H concentrates on leadership, character, and service. An educational focus is determined each year through an advisory process that includes adults and youth voice. Youth participate in the Outdoor Skills Shooting Sports program, Livestock Club, and Junior Leadership program in addition to monthly in school club meetings. Through the dedication of volunteers trained in Risk Management and certified Shooting Sports instructors, the Claiborne Parish Shooting Sports program continues to teach firearm safety, help youth develop a sense of responsibility to the environment and civic engagement. Water conservation continues to be an important issue in Claiborne Parish. Through the Water Fest program, all parish 6^th grade students are taught the importance of practicing water conservation. Other nontraditional programming includes the Clover Buds program for 1^st-3^rd grades.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

The Claiborne Parish Extension office provides citizens with a varitey of services in Agriculture and Natural Resources. These include: soil sampling through the LSU AgCenter Soil Laboratory, forage and hay sampling, and water sampling through the LSU AgCenter Chemistry Department. Staff of the Claiborne Parish Extension Office work closely with local commodity groups such as the Claiborne Parsih Cattlemen’s Association, and governmental organizations such as USDA NRCS, USDA Farm Service Agency, and the Claiborne Parish Farm Bureau Federation to increase knoledge and assit area stakeholders through a wide variety of eductional oppertunities. Extension stagg work closely with local Master Gardener Volunteers to educate clintele on horticulture topics such as ornamentals, vegetable gardening, and other landscape topics. Natural resources such as Lake Claiborne are an important part of Claiborne Parish’s indentity. The Claiborne Parish Extension Office works to educate clientele on the value of our natural resoureces and how to consereve them for future generations.

Who we reach.

300 4-H club members, 100 youth and adult volunteers,

How we reach clientele:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, demonstrations, social media, website and workshops.

Expanding our efforts:

150 volunteers from 4-H, Community Service Clubs, Master Gardeners, Cattlemen, Claiborne Fair Association, Claiborne 4-H Foundation, Claiborne Parish School Board

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Claiborne Parish clientele.The 2018 total dollar amount from these commodities were:

• Plant enterprises: $41,050,723
• Population - 15,944
• Aquaculture and wildlife: $3,795,761
• Animal enterprises: $134,415,716
• Land area (square miles) - 755

Local Issues & Plans for this year.

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture.

• Create a better link between Agriculture Research, and Beef and Timber Producers by conducting Research Update Meetings and trainings on Best Management Practices.
• Provide Home and Commercial Vegetable Producers with research based information to increase quality and yield, and conduct trainings on new marketing techniques.

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

• Before and after storm tree care seminars
• Develop seminars about soil erosion
• Develop seminars about establishing stream side management zones
• Conduct pesticide management classes
• Conduct classes on stream side management when applying fertilizers to protect our waterways.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H youth development.

• Develop and implement service learning projects throughout the parish
• Learn and practice water conservation and wetland preservation
• Junior Leaders organize the annual parish food drive collecting 3000 pounds of food annually.
• Educational lessons presented in schools promoting Life Skills and Character Education
• Youth serve on two state boards, attend national trips such as Disney Leadership, Club Congress, and Citizenship Washington Focus

How we are funded:

You are the local supporters and beneficiaries in the LSU AgCenter extension programs. Just 20% support keeps these programs in your community. 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 2019-2020:

• State general direct: 74.9%
• Federal funds: 13.6%
• Self-generated: 7.1%
• Statutory deductions: 4.4%