East Carroll Parish Profile

About the LSU AgCenter

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.

Program Highlights

Nutrition and Community Health

Nutrition and Community Health agents and educators are improving the overall health of residents by helping to reduce chronic diseases which are related to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles and improving the health outcomes in which Louisiana has traditionally ranked so low. This community-based work helps individuals and families adopt the nutrition and physical activity principles we have long been teaching.

4-H Youth Development

The East Carroll Parish Youth Development Program provides diverse opportunities for youth and adult volunteers to make a difference in their lives and that of their communities. Young people acquire valuable knowledge and life skills through participation in local, parish, state, and national programs. We offer many opportunities for youth and family participation, including 4-H workshops, overnight camps, community service and service-learning activities, project training, age-appropriate competitions, and many other fun and educational activities throughout the year.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

East Carroll Parish is the Northern boundary of the fertile Mississippi River Delta making us an agriculture-driven economy. Producers are continually facing fluctuating commodity prices along with increasing input costs, making profit margins tight. Crop production demonstrations, including variety trials, and irrigation efficiency are conducted on local producers’ fields along with soil fertility trials to promote stewardship of land use and nutrient management. Assistance with home gardens is provided as one of the many services for East Carroll Parish.

Whom we reach:

• More than 1,037 youth and adults through Southern University’s FCS
• More than 200 4-H members, 9 school 4-H clubs, and 1 community 4-H club
• More than 1,000 adults through agriculture and natural resources

How we reach them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, project clubs, field days, emails, publications, newsletters, website, social media (Facebook and Twitter), farm visits, workshops, community events, partnerships, working directly with the school system, and volunteer work.

Expanding our efforts:

90 volunteers from 4-H, NCH, and ANR

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to East Carroll Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $523,000; aquaculture and wildlife, $50,000; plant enterprises, $1,347,900.

Land area — 420.89 square miles; Population — 6,829; Population under 18 years old — 19.5%; Population 65 years old and over — 16.6%; Median household income — $28,321; Persons below poverty — 46.5%

Local issues and plans for this year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Write news column, webpage content, and emails on agriculture practices and updates.
• Conduct farm and home educational visits.
• Facilitate access to cutting-edge technologies and resources.

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

• Before and after hurricane tree care seminars.
• Develop a comprehensive tree management plan and tree best management practices plan for guidelines of trees on public property.
• Organize and present four storm surge modeling programs in the parish.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish.
• Increase a sense of belonging by establishing common ground, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for youth to interact and serve others together.
• Develop leadership skills in 4-H youth through educational programs conducted in school club meetings, service-learning, workshops, and after-school settings.
• Continue to implement youth-led service-learning projects to build a sense of generosity among club members.
• Build awareness of issues facing youth in relation to life skills incorporated in club meeting lessons.

Strengthen families and communities

• Improve cooking skills and healthy eating for youth through CHEF Camps and programming at schools.
• Improve family budgeting.
• Adopt recommended practices in parenting skills.
• Prepare families for all hazardous disasters occurring in Louisiana.
• Collaborate with community leaders to promote healthy living and physical activity.

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
• Nutrition and Community Health