Claiborne 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 & Community Health (NCH) programs provide nutrition education and community outreach for youth and adults in Claiborne Parish. We offer two primary initiatives: SNAP-Ed and Flavors of Health. The SNAP-Ed delivered free nutrition lessons and resources to SNAP recipients; however, this program ended on September 30, 2025 and will no longer be available. Flavors of Health continues to promote overall wellness through classes and workshops on a variety of topics that empower individuals and families to make informed choices about food and fitness.

4-H Youth Development

The Claiborne Parish 4-H Youth Development program provides youth ages 9-19 with opportunities to build a sense of belonging in their communities. Participants develop life skills through workshops, trips, club meetings, and social activities. About 17% of the 1,383 students in grades 2-12 are enrolled, including those from local schools. The program focuses on leadership, character development, and service, with yearly educational themes shaped by input from both adults and youth. Activities include Outdoor Skills Shooting Sports, Livestock Club, Robotics Club and Junior Leadership. The different clubs, workshops and programs within Claiborne Parish 4-H emphasizes safety, environmental responsibility, and civic engagement. The Water Fest program educated over 300 youth on water conservation in 2025, and the Clover Buds program serves 2nd and 3rd grade students throughout the parish.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Our parish provides citizens with a variety of services in Agriculture and Natural Resources. These included soil sampling through LSU AgCenter Soil Lab., forage and hay sampling and water sampling through LSU AgCenter Chemistry Department. Staff of our office work closely with local commodity groups such as the Claiborne Parish Cattlemen’s Association and governmental organizations such as USDA, NRCS, SUDA Farn Service Agency and the Claiborne Parish Farm Bureau Federation to increase knowledge and assist area stockholders through a wide variety of educational opportunities. Extension Staff work closely with local Master Gardener Volunteers to educate clientele on horticulture topics.

Whom We Reach:

• 42,785 youth (includes 1,250 4-H members and 36 school 4-H Clubs)
• 24,901 adults (3,548 through agriculture and natural resources and 21,353 through family consumer sciences)

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding our efforts:

150 volunteers from 4-H, Cattlemen, Claiborne Fair Association, Claiborne Master Gardeners, Masters, family, and community.

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Claiborne Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $101,242; wildlife and fisheries, $1,379,838; plant enterprises, $70,063,411. Land area — 767 square miles; Population —15,670; Population under 18 years old — 23.5%; Population 65 years old and over -21.8%; Female – 46.3%. Median household income — $29,574; Persons below poverty – 28.8%

Local Issues & Plans for this year

Strengthen families and communities

• Businesses receive support and special programming from the AgCenter nutrition agent.
• SNAP-Ed audiences have access to educational lessons and materials on the following topics: nutrition and wellness, diet and health, food purchasing, food dollar management, food safety, and gardening.
• Flavors of Health participants received information and nutrition classes focused on cooking skills, grocery shopping strategies, setting small goals, developing healthy habits, exercise and physical activity guidance, weight management and diet related disease prevention.

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

• Before and after hurricane tree care seminars
• Develop a comprehensive tree management plant and tree best management practices plan for guidelines of trees on public property
• Organize and present four storm surge modeling programs in the parish

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Service projects, which include the Annual Food Drive (collecting 3000 pounds of canned goods), Nursing Home visits, Focus on Veteran Appreciation, etc.
• Educational workshops and events such as Water Fest, Camp Clover, Fishing Workshops, etc.
• Monthly club meetings with lessons focused on Beyond Ready topics such as Team Building, Safety Character Building, Mental Health Awareness, Communication Skills and Leadership Skills.

Youth Achievements:

• Service on State 4-H Boards
• One Louisiana 4-H Executive Board Regional Representative, Wetlands Ambassadors and Livestock Ambassadors
• One regional Ag Ambassador
• 50% increase in Camp enrollment
• One youth was chosen to attend Advanced Marsh Maneuvers

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