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

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is a $118 million dollar industry in Iberia Parish. Row crops, primarily sugarcane and soybeans, as well as beef cattle production are the main components of the parish’s agriculture industry. Field days, recertification meetings and master farmer opportunities are conducted to ensure that producers follow recommended best management practices. Residents continue to be concerned with our coastline and maintaining our aquaculture and agricultural industries. Delcambre Direct allows fisherman the opportunity to sell their products directly to the public via the internet and continues to be a success. Horticulture & home garden educational information is also made available.

4-H Youth Development

The 4-H Youth Development program focuses on enriching the lives of your people. Through the essential elements of belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery. Iberia 4-H members display leadership, communication & service-learning skills. Leadership skills are emphasized by allowing all parish 4-H clubs to have officer positions. During monthly educational programs at all 4-H club meetings, youth are given the opportunity to gain knowledge on a variety of topics from science careers to healthy living. The livestock, horse & shooting sports programs also teach sportsmanship & responsibility to all youth participants.

Family and Consumer Sciences

Nutrition, obesity, and healthy living are important to Americans and to the residents of Iberia Parish. Nutrition education programs are conducted throughout the parish at schools, libraries & community events. The goals of these programs are to increase participants’ knowledge of nutrition and physical activity, as well as to understand the importance of better health habits. Through a variety of Healthy Living programs our residents learn about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.

Whom We Reach:

• 5,208 youth (includes 719 4-H members and 31 school 4-H Clubs as well as 4,489 Youth Enrichment (school gardens, nutrition ed. And wetlands)
• 14,196 adults (7,381 Ag and Natural Resources and 5,492 Family Consumer Sciences 1,321 4-H Youth Development)

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

272 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Community and Master Horseman.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Iberia Parish clientele. The 2021 total dollar amount from these commodities were:

• Plant enterprises: $96,261,530
• Population —68,975
• Aquaculture and wildlife, $9,949,794
• Persons under 18 years old — 25.4%
• Animal enterprises: $ 13,161,376
• Land area (square miles) – 573.7
• Persons 65 years old and over — 16.2%
• Persons below poverty — 24%
• Median household income — $52,278

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture (ANR)

• Continue commodity production meetings & variety trials
• Continue crop and livestock field days
• Continue marketing strategies for local fisheries industry
• Continue pesticide & Smoke management recertification
• Continue agricultural economic educations programs
• Continue Master Gardener, Master Farmer and Master Cattlemen programs
• Continue “Ag Adventures” educational program
• Continue farm and home educations visits

4-H Youth Development

• Continue educations programs to youth through club meetings
• Continue leadership and volunteerism opportunities and trainings
• Continue community service-learning projects
• Continue contest days, workshops, livestock shows, shooting sports and camps
• Continue character development and youth safety programs for positive youth development

FCS/Nutrition & Health

• Continue nutrition education to youth & adults in schools, organizations, & businesses in the Parish.
• Continue educational programs on food safety, nutrition, health, & fitness to youth & adults in a variety of settings.

General

• Continue collaborations with local governing bodies and agencies such as: Iberia Parish Government, Iberia Parish School Board, Iberia Sheriff Office, Solomon House, Iberia Parish Library System.