Search

LaSalle 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 and Community Health agents and educators are working to enhance the well-being of residents by addressing chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles—areas where Louisiana has historically ranked low. In LaSalle Parish, the food and nutrition score is 56 out of 100, underscoring the urgent need for greater access to healthy food options and stronger nutrition education. Through the Flavors of Health initiative, programs such as Smart Portions, Dining with Diabetes, and Let's Eat for the Health of It, along with radio segments, and youth culinary classes, aim to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent chronic disease. All programs follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA MyPlate recommendations.

4-H Youth Development

In LaSalle Parish, 4-H plays a crucial role in education, with active clubs in all public and private schools throughout the parish. Club meetings emphasize areas such as Science, Technology, Gardening, Leadership, and Workforce Preparation. The LaSalle Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Club educates youth on firearms, hunting, firearm safety, marksmanship, and ethical hunting practices. Instructors provide a safe and supportive environment for members to learn about firearms. Additionally, members of the Junior Leader Club develop their abilities by engaging more deeply in 4-H and their communities through service- learning and community service projects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

LaSalle Parish features a diverse range of agricultural producers, including those who manage small plots of row crops, part-time beef farmers, and home gardeners. There is a significant interest in the safe and effective application of pesticides and fertilizers, along with general horticultural practices such as gardening, ornamentals, and turf management. To assist both producers and the community, the LSU AgCenter offers the latest research-based guidance through home visits, publications, mass media, and social media platforms.

Programs

4-H and Youth Development

  • Science, Engineering, Technology
  • Citizenship/Leadership
  • Healthy Living
  • Community Service

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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

Nutrition and Community Health

  • Healthy Communities
  • Culinary Skills
  • Flavors of Health

Whom We Reach:

  • 2,556 youth (including 4-H Members and NCH programs)
  • 9,300 adults (including 4-H Volunteers, 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 for LaSalle were: Animal enterprises, $3,579,021; aquaculture and wildlife, $4,896,889; plant enterprises, $36,057,048.

Land area — 625 square miles; Population —14,702; Population under 18 years old — 12%; Population 65 years old and over — 10%; Median household income — $67,077; Persons below poverty — 15.5%

Local Issues and Plans for this Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

  • Quarterly distribution of Horticulture Hints.
  • Provide research-based information on home grounds and gardens.
  • Make farm/home visits, public outreach via news columns in local newspaper, publications, e-mail distribution, web page, and social media.
  • Conduct Master Gardener programs.

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

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

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

  • Provide education on food safety and healthy lifestyle changes for better health
  • Encourage 4-H Members and other youth to develop healthy habits by exercising and changing eating behaviors to promote a healthier population

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
Top