About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education to improve people’s lives. Working in a unique 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

Family and Consumer Sciences

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 10 to 17 years is 34.9 % in Louisiana. In Louisiana, 1/3 of school aged children n are obese. Therefore, it is important to educate young people on the importance of making healthful food choices and being physically active daily.Moreover, by providing youth with the skills to incorporate healthful lifestyle choices; they can share the knowledge and behavioral practices with their families. During the 2018-2019 school year, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) in East Baton Rouge Parish conducted the youth nutrition education program to 6,500 youth. The programs were conducted weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, during school, after school and during summer programs. Youth participants learned to make healthy food choices, read food labels, and understand the importance of diet and physical activity through a series of nutrition education classes. As a result, during the 2018-2019 school year, 44 % of the students improved their abilities to choose foods according to the Federal Dietary Recommendations and gained knowledge.

4-H Youth & Family Development

In 2018-2019 new programs were started and old programs grew. East Baton Rouge Parish 4-H has brought programming in Citizenship, SET, Healthy Living, and Agriculture to schools in East Baton Rouge Parish. 4-H youth and community partners have started new garden programming across the parish to increase fresh food output and consumption in youth. A Tech Club was started for high school youth to learn more about technology and geographic information system mapping. The Beekeeping Club also began to engage youth in agriculture and increase knowledge of the bee crisis. The traditional programs have continued in the parish such as the horse, livestock, leadership and shooting sports program.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Horticultural related concerns continue to play a major role in the agricultural industry in East Baton Rouge Parish. During 2018- 2019, consumers were reached dealing with horticultural issue such as plant selection and planting, pest control for plants, fruiting trees and shrubs, vegetable gardens, disease identification, and landscape issues.Throughout the year clientele gained knowledge through meetings, workshops, library series, weekly news columns, demonstrations and home visits.

Master Gardener Program

There are currently 161 active trained Master Gardeners in East Baton Rouge who assist with outreach on consumer horticultural practices. Programs include environmental improvement activities, community and school garden programs, and public horticulture events. Participants in the Master Gardner program provided over 11,000 volunteer hours making over 96,600 contacts with East Baton Rouge Parish residents. The economic impact of the volunteer efforts of the Master Gardeners totals approximately $253,770.

Whom we reach:

7,505 – Youth (includes 1005–4-H members, 32 school 4-H clubs, 6,500 school enrichment, Smart Choices, Character Development, 4-H University, 4-H Camp, Challenge Camp, Lost Camp.)

How we reach them:

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

Expanding our efforts:

276 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community and Master Horseman.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to East Baton Rouge Parish clientele.The 2018 total dollar amount from these commodities were:

• Plant enterprises - $37,505,182
• Aquaculture and wildlife - $402,739
• Animal enterprises - $6,821,240

Data U. S. Census

• Land area — 455.37 square miles
• Population —440,956
• Population under 18 years old — 22.7%
• Population 65 years old and over — 14.2%
• Median household income — $51,436
• Persons below poverty — 18.9%

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture

• Conduct a series of Master Garden classes
• Write news column, web page content, and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H youth development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Junior Leaders will work with CASA, Character Education projects, and Fashion Club members on promoting youth development activities

Strengthen families and communities

• Families will receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
• Expand nutrition and health education to youth in an effort to prevent childhood obesity and promote wellness
• Conduct nutrition education classes to promote healthful lifestyles choices to reduce incidences of disease
• Conduct parenting classes to teach proper parenting skills to parents with children under the age of one
• Teach classes on reducing credit balances and examining spending habits
• Conduct workshops on emergency preparedness storm clean-up and house cleaning after a storm

How we are funded:

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:

• Sustaining Louisiana agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
• Building leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.
• Family, nutrition and health to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana’s citizens.

LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds for FY 2019-2020:

• State general direct: 74.9%
• Federal funds: 13.6%
• Self-generated: 7.1%
• Statutory deductions: 4.4%