Report to Stakeholders January 2025

LaSalle Extension Office

P O Box 101 Jena LA 71342
1050 Courthouse St Jena
Room 1-LaSalle Courthouse
P:318-992-2205/ Fax:318-992-7338

Office Hours:
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Email:

lasalle@agcenter.lsu.edu

Website: www.lsuagcenter.com/lasalle
Social Media Find us on Facebook at LaSalle 4-H

Parish Chair
Silas Cecil
scecil@agcenter.lsu.edu

Additional Contact:
LaVone Boyd-Administrative Coordinator
eboyd@agcenter.lsu.edu

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

In LaSalle Parish, 4-H is an essential part of the educational process with active clubs in all parish public and private schools. Club meeting programs focus on Science, Technology, Gardening, Leadership, & Workforce Preparation. The LaSalle Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Club teaches youth about firearms, hunting and firearm safety, marksmanship, hunting ethics and responsibility. LaSalle parish currently has 12 -Level 1 Instructors that foster a caring positive experience with firearms for the youth in a safe environment, which will be a continuation of a lifetime of enjoyment. Junior Leader Club members learn skills by becoming more engaged in 4-H and their community through community service and service-learning experiences.

Nutrition and Community Health

Nutrition and Community Health agents and educators work to improve the overall health of Louisiana residents by focusing on reducing chronic diseases and enhancing health outcomes. Louisiana ranks lower in areas related to nutrition and sedentary lifestyles, both of which contribute to chronic diseases. In LaSalle Parish, the food and nutrition score is 56/100, highlighting a significant need for better access to healthy food options and improved nutrition education. Through SNAP-ED (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education), participants gain valuable knowledge on preparing affordable, nutritious meals, along with parenting and childcare education. As a result, many residents have reported improvements in their quality of life. All SNAP-ED programs adhere to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA MyPlate.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

LaSalle Parish has a varied group of agriculture producers. These include those with small acreages of row crops, part-time 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 public alike, the LSU AgCenter presents the latest researched-based recommendations through home visits, publication correspondence, mass media, and social media.

Programs

4-H and Youth Development

• Science, Engineering, Technology
• Citizenship/Leadership
• Healthy Living
• Community Service
• Animal Production
• Beef Cattle
• Horticulture/Lawns & Gardens
• Pest Management
• Forestry

Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Animal Production
• Beef Cattle
• Horticulture/Lawns & Gardens
• Pest Management
• Forestry

Nutrition and Community Health

• Nutrition Education Programming
• Healthy Communities Projects
• Flavors of Health: Food Preservation & Chef Camps

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Whom We Reach:

• 2,720 Youth-including 4-H and SNAP Ed programs
• 8,215 Adults-including 4-H, Ag & Natural Resources, Nutrition and Community Health

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

Volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Family and Community

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to LaSalle Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $3,897,752; Fisheries and Wildlife, $22,795; plant enterprises, $38,002,003

Land area — 624.85 square miles; Population —14,892; Population under 18 years old 21.6%; Population 65 years old and over — 16.3%; Median household income — $59,926; Persons below poverty — 18.8%

Local Issues and Plans for this Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Use regular mail, e-mail distribution, web page, social media, home/farm visits, newsletters, and news columns and publications
• Quarterly distribution of Horticulture Hints
• Provide research-based information on home grounds and gardens
• Conduct Master Gardener Programs

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• 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
• Promote healthy living for all youth
• Recruit, train, and retain adult and youth volunteers
• Encourage pride in the community and develop leadership skills among youth

Strengthen families and communities

• Encourage 4-H members and other youth to develop healthy habits by exercising and changing eating behaviors to promote a healthier population
• Provide education on food safety and healthy lifestyle changes for better health
• Provide training to SNAP Ed families on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget

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

• Provide Master Cattleman & Master Gardener Certification Opportunities
• Provide opportunities through field days, production schools, and web-based education series, for cattleman, gardeners, row crop and homeowners
• Provide yearly Private Pesticide Re-Certification Classes

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