Jackson 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

Students explored Louisiana-grown commodities through Harvest of the Month, tasting fresh flavors and creating simple dishes that sparked their curiosity. Cardio drumming quickly became a classroom favorite, keeping students moving and having fun while getting in some exercise. In Jackson Parish, students added a festive twist to healthy habits by making their own charcuterie boards and learning how each food group fits into the MyPlate model. These activities made nutrition memorable.

4-H Youth Development

4-H is a Youth Development Organization devoted to bringing innovative programs to youth across the nation. Nearly 400 students in Jackson Parish 4-H Clubs are exploring various life skills to enhance their success as they move through life. The youth work on skills such as writing professional letters and properly addressing envelopes. They create resumes and work on interview skills all while learning to work as a team. Outside of their school clubs, Jackson Parish youth are encouraged to participate in parish, regional and state activities such as livestock and equine production, Food Challenge, forestry, and ATV Safety. Jackson Parish 4-H is a proud sponsor of a growing youth Shooting Sports program. Our participants have successfully competed at the local, regional, state, and national level.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Jackson Parish is situated in North Central Louisiana and is known as “The Sunshine Parish of Louisiana” named after Gov Jimmie Davis. Jackson Parish is situated in North Central Louisiana with 569 square miles of land and 11 square miles of water. Forestry, poultry, and beef cattle are the three leading agronomic enterprises in the parish. The LSU AgCenter has a strong influence on environmental and natural resource management. Programs like Cattleman’s, Master Gardener, Ag Awareness, A Walk with Nature, and Forestry Mill Tour reach over 800 individuals in the parish.

Whom We Reach:

• 1200 youth per month (includes 400 4-H members, 100 4-H Shooting Sports members, 16 school 4-H Clubs, and 250 through Nutrition and Community Health)
• 1250 adults per month (1100 through agriculture and natural resources and 150 through Nutrition and Community Health)

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, camps, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, Ag Awareness, ATV Safety Trainings, Forestry Awareness

Expanding Our Efforts:

170 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Outdoor Skills, CRM ATV Safety, family, and community volunteers

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, forestry, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Jackson Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $57,910,774; fisheries and wildlife, $287,927; plant enterprises, $40,552,061. Land area - 580.00 square miles; Population —15,031; Population under 18 years old — 21.2%; Population 65 years old and over — 20.7%; Median household income — $41,298; Persons below poverty — 21%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct field days/clinics for producers
• Marketing of products
• Write articles, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits

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

• Conduct tree care/lawn care programs
• Conduct cost share program for landowners
• Implement tree planting/best management practices plan for landowners
• Implement a wildlife management program for landowners

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Work with local food pantries to provide items for those with food insecurities
• Explore career opportunities and the paths required for these careers
• Junior Leaders work with local civic clubs on parish and city projects, focus on life skills education, and other youth development activities

Strengthen families and communities

• Nutrition and Community Health clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
• Conduct workshops on disaster preparedness, grab and go boxes, storm cleanup and house cleaning after a storm
• Teach classes to pregnant women or parents of infants to strengthen parents’ understanding of nutrition for baby and mom

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