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EBR Parish Profile

About the LSU And SU AgCenters

The AgCenters provide 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 AgCenters 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 & Community Health

In East Baton Rouge Parish, 38% of residents are classified as obese, and 13% of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. Many chronic conditions—such as heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers—can be prevented or managed through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.

The NCH program provides nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, meal planning tips, food safety guidance, and low-impact exercise techniques. Our goal is to promote positive behavior changes among youth, adults, and families throughout the parish.

4-H Youth Development

In East Baton Rouge Parish, the 4-H Youth Development Program focuses on providing youth with fun, interactive, hands-on learning opportunities that encompass youth thriving indicators outlined in the 4-H Thriving Model. This is accomplished through youth project work, camps, contests, workshops, and service-learning projects. Through research-based educational activities, 4-H participants gain knowledge and life skills that enable them to become positive, productive, capable, and compassionate members of their communities. In addition, 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready, equipping them with the confidence, adaptability, and leadership skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Over 8,000 youth participated in programming during 2024-2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Horticulture and livestock agriculture remain vital for clientele in East Baton Rouge Parish. Issues such as home gardening, soil testing, livestock management, and landscaping are addressed through personalized home visits, farmers’ market outreach, informative website and social media content, as well as educational classes and workshops. The Master Gardener Program, which includes more than 250 graduates serving as community volunteers, plays a key role in supporting horticulture outreach and educational efforts. Additionally, horticulture impacts youth in East Baton Rouge Parish through different communities, demonstration and school gardens.

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 21,353 through Nutrition and Community Health Programs.

How We Reach Them

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

Expanding Our Efforts

150 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Master Cattleman and Master Farmer Programs, family and community health programs

Parish Facts

Both LSU and SU AgCenter’s agents provide research-based information on plants, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to East Baton Rouge Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: animal enterprises, $12,116,995; aquaculture and wildlife, $56,000; plant enterprises, $45,715,128.
Land area - 1,254.93 square miles; Population - 446,268; Population under 18 years old - 22.6%; Population 65 years old and over - 13.3%; Median household income -$49,942; Persons below poverty - 19.9%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

  • Provide on-farm and home consultations to address local horticultural and agricultural needs
  • Assist with forage testing to improve livestock management
  • Conduct Master Gardener certification and expand volunteer engagement in horticulture programs

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

  • Deliver pesticide applicator re-certification training to promote pesticide safety and reduce environmental impact
  • Assist with soil testing to improve nutrient efficiency and reduce impacts to water quality and soil health
  • Provide Best Management Practices to producers and homeowners to conserve natural resources and improve sustainability

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

  • Develop leadership skills by attending Food & Fitness Day Camp and Fashion &Beyond Day Camp
  • Promote responsibility and decision-making by managing livestock projects and participating in parish, district, and state livestock shows
  • Encourage teamwork and communication through parish wide programs like Fuel 4-Life Cooking Club and Shooting Sports

Strengthen families and communities

  • Train Nutrition and Community Health clients on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
  • Conduct workshops on disaster preparedness, grab and go boxes, storm clean up and house cleaning after a storm
  • Teach classes to pregnant women or parents of infants to strengthen parents’ understanding of childrearing

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:

  • Nutrition and Community Health
  • 4-H and Youth Development
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
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