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.
Classes taught the nurturing way for positive parenting skills reaching 163 parents. Obesity rates were higher among youth ages 10-17. Cooking demonstrations promoting healthy lifestyles were conducted with 650 youth. Parents report youth participating in meal prep requesting vegetables tasted in the classes. Reports show 68% are adopting practices to prevent the development of chronic diseases. Families were taught removal of excessive sugars by adding more fruits and vegetables. Adults and youth learned proper techniques for handling food safely; 45% of those in attendance used this information immediately after class. Eighty-four families were taught family resiliency with creating family emergency plans and money management skills.
The parish 4-H advisory committee voiced concerns that included low science scores on state standardized tests, high childhood obesity rates, and youth getting too much “screen time”. In response to these concerns, a series of lessons titled Nutrition from the Garden are being conducted at 13 parish 4-H clubs. Youth are learning basic plant and soil science and healthy eating habits. Two parish schools are incorporating school gardens to go along with this curriculum to gets students outside and working with their hands. Other concerns from the advisory committee were teens lacking real life skills. In response to this the parish Jr. Leader Club is focused on learning life skills such as how to manage money, job interview skills, how to cook, and basic first aid.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistic Services, DeSoto Parish has approximately 15,200 beef cows in January 1, 2018.The LSU Agriculture Summary reported a gross farm value of $12,455,206 for beef production.In order to sustain the cattle industry in DeSoto Parish we conducted a series of meetings in which beef producers gained awareness of feeding cattle through the winter, cool season forage variety recommendations, marketing beef cattle, weed control in pastures and hay fields. We averaged 49 people attending our beef meetings.With the utilization of a beef cattle email distribution list, in which I have 163 members, timely news articles are sent to cattleman in my area.
432 youth (includes 432 4-H members and 13 school 4-H Clubs)
24,901 adults (3,548 agriculture and natural resources and 21,353 family consumer sciences)
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website and workshops.
150 volunteers from 4-H, ANR and family and community.
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to DeSoto Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $2,981,060; aquaculture and wildlife, $5,458,526; plant enterprises, $39,822,294.
Land area — 875.58 square miles; Population —27,436; Population under 18 years old — 24%; Population 65 years old and over — 17.9%; Median household income — $41,443; Persons below poverty — 22.8%
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:
LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds for FY 2019-2020: