Iberia 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, obesity, and healthy living are of significant concern to the residents of Iberia Parish. Comprehensive nutrition education programs are implemented across the parish in schools, libraries, and community events. These programs aim to enhance participants’ understanding of nutrition and physical activity, while emphasizing the importance of adopting healthier lifestyle habits. Through various Healthy Living initiatives, residents are educated on the critical role of nutritious eating and regular physical activity in maintaining overall well-being.

4-H Youth Development

The 4-H Youth Development program is dedicated to enriching the lives of young individuals through the essential elements of belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery. Members of Iberia 4-H exhibit leadership, communication, and service-learning skills. Leadership development is particularly emphasized by providing officer positions in all parish 4-H clubs. During monthly educational programs at 4-H club meetings, youth have the opportunity to gain knowledge on a wide range of topics, from science careers to healthy living. Additionally, the livestock, horse, and shooting sports programs instill sportsmanship and responsibility in all youth participants.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture represents a nearly $141 million industry in Iberia Parish, with primary contributions from row crops such as sugarcane and soybeans, as well as beef cattle production. To ensure adherence to recommended best management practices, the parish conducts field days, recertification meetings, and Master Farmer opportunities. Residents remain concerned about coastal preservation and the sustainability of aquaculture and agricultural industries. The Delcambre Direct initiative enables fishermen to sell their products directly to the public online, proving to be a continued success. Additionally, educational resources on horticulture and home gardening are made available to the parish residents.

Whom We Reach:

• 5,810 youth (includes 650 4-H members from 35 4-H Clubs)
• 12,778 adults (includes 7,351 ANR, and 5,472 NCH)

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

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

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Iberia Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $15,497,968; aquaculture and wildlife, $9,825,079; plant enterprises, $115,935,924.

Land area — 574.7 square miles; Population —67,378; Population under 18 years old — 25.4%; Population 65 years old and over — 17.8%; Median household income — $57,811; Persons below poverty — 22.64%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Maintain commodity production meetings and variety trials/test plots
• Sustain crop and livestock field days
• Enhance marketing strategies for the local fisheries industry
• Persist with agricultural economic education programs
• Carry on with the “Ag Adventures” educational program
• Maintain farm and home educational visits

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

• Continue Master Gardener, Master Farmer, and Master Cattlemen programs
• Uphold pesticide and smoke management recertification

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Continue delivering educational programs for youth through club meetings
• Maintain opportunities and training sessions for leadership and volunteerism
• Sustain community service-learning projects
• Keep organizing contest days, workshops, livestock shows, shooting sports, and camps
• Continue fostering positive youth development through character development and youth safety programs

Strengthen families and communities

• Continue offering engaging and informative Nutrition and Community Health programs to youth and adults in schools, organizations, and businesses throughout the Parish
• Maintain comprehensive educational programs on food safety, nutrition, health, and fitness for youth and adults in a variety of settings

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

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