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.
The nutrition agent started a marketing campaign for programs called “A Taste of Herbs & Spices.” The informational handouts and samples of the herb or spice are distributed to the local libraries. This is an easy way to have locals use less salt in their cooking to reduce the prevalence of hypertension. The herb or spice is used as a replacement for some or all of the added sodium in known dishes. Lessons from the Happy Healthy Me curriculum were presented to Head Start classes at the Myra G. Champagne location. Four different lessons were taught throughout the month of October. Students learned about MyPlate, physical activity, the importance of handwashing and smart snacking and tasted different fruits and vegetables and made their own healthy snack. Lessons then took place in November at the Raceland location.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many unintended, long-lasting consequences for society. Preventative practices such as mask wearing, social distancing, and virtual meetings and classrooms to address contagion concerns may negatively affect communication, particularly in the pediatric population. Increasing awareness and creating innovative methods to promote communication and language learning in settings both in person and virtual is paramount.” The Lafourche Parish 4-H Youth Development Program was an opportunity to address this issue through engaging life skill lessons at monthly meetings. Monthly lessons, summarized in the 4-H Lafourche Happenings newsletter, were conducted at club meetings in 33 schools and in members-at-large meetings with students in grades 4-12. Lessons including tactile experiences in cooperative communication, teamwork, public speaking, non-verbal communication, cooperation, and collaboration were implemented with all in attendance throughout the school year.
The Louisiana Sugarcane industry produced more than two million tons of raw sugar in 2022 for the first time ever. We are now considered the number one sugar producing state in the US surpassing Florida. Although acreage has decreased in Lafourche parish, it has increased statewide. In November of 2022, 13 participants completed the first Master Cattlemen Program in Lafourche since 2016. This program consists of 10 classes that are taught by specialists within the LSU AgCenter with topics including breeding and selection, cattle handling, animal health, nutrition, reproduction, economics, BQA, pasture agronomy, pasture weeds and end product. The agent attended Oyster, Finfish, Crab, and Shrimp Task Force quarterly meetings to give a presentation on the Louisiana Fisheries Forward Summit and worked with crawfish harvesters to develop trap setting strategies as they start to harvest in late December and early into January 2023.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, and workshops.
Over 250 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, and Master Cattle producers and farmers.
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Lafourche Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $1,995.973; aquaculture and wildlife, $62,205,891; plant enterprises, $15,981,101. Land area — 1,067.79 square miles; Population —97,870; Population under 18 years old — 23.0%; Population 65 years old and over — 16.4%; Median household income — $58,747; Persons below poverty — 15.7%
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.