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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.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistic Services, DeSoto Parish had approximately 11,000 head of beef cows and calves as of January 1, 2024. The 2024 LSU Agriculture Summary reported a gross farm value of $22,397,361 for beef production in DeSoto Parish. 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 average 40 producers that attend our beef meetings. With the utilization of a beef cattle email distribution list, in which I have 308 members, monthly newsletters are sent to cattlemen in my area to keep them informed.
Development4-H is a community of more than 6.5 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H’ers participate in fun, hands-on learning activities which encourage a sense of belonging among the youth. The 4-H Club is the largest youth organization in the United States! Louisiana has more than 85,000 4-H members in more than 1,700 clubs. Louisiana 4-Hreaches a diverse group of youth, grades K-12. Through non-formal, research-based, experiential learning activities, 4-H participants gain knowledge and life skills to become productive, capable, and compassionate members of their communities. The 4-H program combines the cooperative efforts of youth, volunteer leaders, land-grant universities, federal, state, local governments, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Nutrition and Community Health programs in DeSoto Parish aim to improve residents’ health through nutrition education. By partnering with schools, healthcare facilities, senior centers, and libraries, these programs promote healthier eating, physical activity, and food safety. Nutrition programs and Healthy Community initiatives were implemented in all DeSoto Parish PreK classes, DeSoto Parish Library Systems and Council on Aging from January 2025-January 2026. NCH has established an adult pickleball league that plays biweekly. A monthly article is also published in The DeSoto Parish Journal. The NCH goal is to make adopting a nutritious lifestyle easier and more accessible.
908 youth (includes 461 4-H members, 121 Cloverbuds, 50 adult volunteers, 19 school 4-H Clubs, and 16 after- school project clubs) 24,901 adults (3,548 agriculture and natural resources and 21,353 Nutrition and Community Health) DeSoto residents seeking better health.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series,website, social media, local newspapers, fliers, and workshops.
Over 100 volunteers from 4-H, ANR and Nutrition and Community Health
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, $38,156,691; aquaculture and wildlife, $5,481,450; plant enterprises, $42,683,995. Land area — 895 square miles; Population —26,897; Population under 18 years old — 24%; Population 65 years old and over — 18.5%; Median household income — $46,077; Persons below poverty — 21.8%
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
Desoto Parish Profile January 2026pdf / 0.55MB