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 (NCH)

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, 32% of East Baton Rouge citizens are obese, which increases their risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. There are 9 FCS programs designed to educate the community in making healthy decisions and improve his or her decision-making skills. Approximately, 3,333 adults and 1,309 youth have participated in one of the programs to improve one’s health and wellbeing.

4-H Youth Development

Wetlands are disappearing in Louisiana. To develop young people into responsible environmental stewards, environmental education is essential. Curriculum for young people in the Wetlands Program is in line with Louisiana's Grade Level Expectations (GLE). The 4-H Youth Development Program drew in 13,391 young people. Almost 12,562 young people were reached by 4-H via social media. Over 90 adult volunteers in total took part in the programs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Concerns relating to horticulture still have a significant impact on the agriculture sector in East Baton Rouge Parish. There are 1,888,000 single-family homeowners in the parish. Approximately, 87,000 of them maintain their landscaping. Articles that offer advice are published to help residents deal with problems. Additionally, the Master Gardener Certification program has graduated more than 250 community members to assist with horticultural outreach. 2,377 youth and 8560 adults have been exposed to horticulture. There are 5 community gardens and 34 school gardens.

Whom We Reach:

• 23,527 youth (includes 1,100 4-H members, and 98 school 4-H Clubs)
• 17,525 adults (5,383 through agriculture and natural resources and 12,142 through family consumer sciences)

How We Reach Them:

Expanding Our Efforts:

281 Volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, and Family and Consumer Science

Parish Facts:

Both LSU and SU AgCenters agents and nutrition educators provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to East Baton Rouge Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $7,075,488; aquaculture and wildlife, $346,447; plant enterprises, $34,885450.

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

• Conduct sugarcane field day
• Conduct master vegetable field day
• Write news column, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits

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

• Before and after hurricane tree care seminars
• Acorns of Hope coastal tree plantings
• 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
• Conduct Coastal Roots program with coastal schools and 4-H youth to grow native grasses and mangrove trees

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Plant live oaks with Acorns of Hope for storm surge protection on coastal areas
• Junior Leaders will work with CASA, character education projects and fashion club members on promoting youth development activities

Strengthen families and communities

• Family Nutrition Program clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
• Conduct workshops on disaster preparedness, grab and go boxes, storm cleanup and house cleaning after a storm
• Teach classes on reducing credit balances and examining spending habits

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
• Family and Consumer Sciences