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

4-H Youth Development

In East Feliciana Parish 317 youth are enrolled in 8 school 4-H clubs, 2 Community Clubs, and 5 Project Clubs. The 4-H Advisory Committee identified safety as a priority in our programming this year. Club meeting lesson plans educate members on bicycle/ATV safety and the importance of wearing a helmet, water safety, seatbelt and distracted driver safety, internet safety, and home alone safety. Weekend workshops have consisted of ATV, shooting sports, and livestock showmanship trainings. A Hunter’s Safety Course is also being offered this year. We have incorporated new programming such as YOGA and Nutrition, sewing, and gardening workshops along with our newest project club, East Feliciana 4-H Dog club.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

In 2019, the value of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) for East Feliciana Parish topped 40.9 million dollars with timber and cattle production being the largest agricultural enterprises. Throughout the year clientele are educated using a multifaceted approach through meetings, field days, workshops, demonstrations, newsletters, newspaper articles, phone calls, and farm and home visits. Programs delivered to clientele include beef and forage field days, forestry and wildlife field days, Master Gardener classes, and pesticide training. Private pesticide applicators were trained in worker protection methods and learned techniques to minimize spray drift. A series of seminars are offered for residents to learn about how to beautify and maintain their home grounds. Home visits and personal interaction are the primary modes of delivering information.

Family & Consumer Sciences

The LSU AgCenter’s Flavors of Health Program is a nutrition and health program with a community focus that provides classes and workshops on a variety of topics that empower individuals and families to make healthy food and fitness choices to live healthful lives. Flavors of Health uses the latest science and evidence-based practices to support and encourage healthy food and fitness choices. Classes such as Dining with Diabetes, Small Changes Healthy Habits, Break Up with Salt, and Let’s Eat for the Health of It are conducted virtually and in-person. Educational materials are also provided for the Jackson food pantry. Our nutrition programs, workshops, classes, and resources encourage healthy food and fitness behaviors.

Parish Statistics

Who we reach:

• 357- Youth (includes 217 4-H Members, 100 Cloverbuds, and 40 Be Fit Youth Camp)
• 89- Adult Volunteers (Includes 60 Master Gardeners and 29 4-H Volunteers)
• 15,772 adults (5,792 through agriculture and natural resources)

How we reach them:

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

Expanding our efforts:

150 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Family and Community and Master Cattle Producer, and Beef and Forestry Associations.

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to East Feliciana Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were:

• Animal enterprises, $14,195,808; aquaculture and wildlife, $2,634,265; Plant enterprises, $24,079,712.
• Land area — 453.41 square miles; Population —19,338; Population under 18 years old — 17.6%; Population 65 years old and over — 19.2%; Median household income — $54,187; Persons below poverty — 19.9%

Local Issues & Plans for the Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture

• Conduct beef, forestry, and wildlife field days
• Conduct pesticide recertification workshops
• Offer a Master Cattleman Class
• Support local cattleman’s associations
• Coordinate a two-parish forestry association
• Write news column, web page content, and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits
• Conduct on farm demonstration

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

• A Dining with Diabetes series will be offered to help adults at risk for type 2 diabetes learn how to manage their condition through meal planning, carbohydrate counting, portion control and label reading.
• Classes on how to eat a healthy diet and how to become more physically active will be conducted for youth at the Be Fit Camp.
• A program to help citizens use small-goal-setting and habit-formation techniques to develop healthier food and physical activity routines will be conducted. This nutrition program includes knife skills for home food preparation, a grocery store/food selection tour, and how to create a healthy home food environment –practices that reduce chronic disease risk.
• Promote healthful diets and positive lifestyles to prevent or manage chronic diseases and improve the quality of life and deliver youth programs that emphasize cooking skills and preparation of healthful meals and snacks.

How we are Funded

You are the local supporters and beneficiaries in the LSU AgCenter Extension programs. Just 20 percent support keeps these programs in your community.

• Your parish extension office offers programs in:
• Sustaining Louisiana's 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 citizens.

LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds FY 2020-2021

• 74.9% - State General Direct
• 13.6% - Federal Funds
• 7.1% Self-Generated
• 4.4% - Statutory Dedications