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

The Grant Parish Youth 4-H Development program is a co-curriculum program which conducts monthly 4-H educational programs in the Elementary, Junior High and Senior High schools. There are over 400 youth enrolled in 12 Organizational Clubs and 3 Clover Bud Clubs. The focus this year is on Ag Awareness, Careers in Ag, and Healthy Living. During the club year, strategies are utilized to build a sense of connection among club members, their peers, adult volunteers, leaders, and 4-H faculty. We offer monthly club meetings, various contests, teen counselor training, shooting sports, award trips, 4-H camps, workshops, livestock projects, culinary club and Junior Leadership Club.

Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS)

SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) Through SNAPED education, participants learn how to prepare nutritious, affordable meals the whole family can enjoy, while improving their overall health. Participants in SNAP-Ed learn valuable information through food taste-testing, as well as parenting/childcare Education. As a result, many residents of Grant Parish have reported an improvement in their quality of life. All SNAP-ED programs follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA MyPlate.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Grant Parish has a varied group of agriculture producers. These include those with small acreages of row crops, beef producers, and home gardeners. Safe and proper uses of pesticides and fertilizers as well as general horticulture (gardens, ornamentals, and turf) are of great interest to all. To help producers and the public alike, the LSU AgCenter offers the latest research-based recommendations through home visits, publication correspondence, mass media, and social media.

Whom we reach:

• 2,000 youth reached through 4-H clubs and SNAP Ed programs
• 6,000 adults (2,500 agriculture and natural resources and 3,500 family consumer sciences)

How we reach them:

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

Expanding our efforts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Grant Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $5,666,730; fisheries and wildlife, $1,034,825; plant enterprises, $7,567,272.

Land area — 665 square miles; Population —22,000; Population under 18 years old — 22.5%; Population 65 years old and over — 15.9%; Median household income — $52,779; Persons below poverty — 16.2%

Local issues and plans for this year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Use regular mail, email distribution, web pages, social media, home/farm visits, newsletters, and news columns and publications
• Webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices.
• Provide research -based information on home grounds and gardens

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

• Provide Master Cattleman and Master Gardener Certification opportunities
• Recruit schools to participate in youth wetlands week
• Private Pesticide Re-Certification Classes

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Junior Leaders work to assist in conducting educational activities and workshops for younger youth and have implemented a Service Project to assist various community organizations.
• Build awareness of issues facing youth in relation to life skills incorporated in club meeting lessons.
• Encourage youth to participate in parish, regional, and state events, workshops, and contests
• Train Adult Volunteers in shooting sports to reach over 75 youth participants educating them in firearm safety and marksmanship.
• Encourage pride in the community and develop leadership skills among youth
• Promote healthy living for all youth
• Recruit, train, and retain adult and youth volunteers

Strengthen families and communities

• Conduct nutrition programs that create healthy communities by improving overall nutrition and increasing physical activity levels, in youth and adults, which will produce long-lasting behavior changes.
• Provide education on food safety and healthy lifestyle changes for better health
• Provide training to SNAP Ed families on feeding their families nutritionally from a budget

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

For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: www.LSUAgCenter.com