Lincoln 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

The LSU AgCenter is committed to improving Lincoln Parish adult and youth health by conducting nutrition educational programs. Adult programs (Stay Independent, Holiday Recipes, Health Fairs, Break Up with Salt, Let’s Eat for The Health Of It, etc.) teach nutrition and physical activities. Each month “A Taste of Herbs and Spices” is presented at the Lincoln Parish Library with recipes and samples provided throughout the month. Activity stencils and school gardens help promote healthy lifestyles at schools for the youth of Lincoln Parish. Nutrition and physical fitness programs have reached over 1600 youth and adults.

4-H Youth Development

Lincoln Parish 4-H Youth Development meets youth identified essential needs of positive development by offering 4-H club programming to 13 parish 4-H clubs and 6 project clubs in the areas of teen leadership, outdoor skills, and art/healthy living. Quality 4-H program settings offer youth a place to belong, matter, and find their spark. Developmental relationships with youth that express care, challenge growth, and share power are fostered. The Lincoln Parish 4-H program currently enrolls approximately 1224 youth through club and school enrichment programming. Lincoln Parish 4-H includes a diverse membership and offers diverse learning experiences.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Lincoln Parish is in north central Louisiana and consists of 472 square miles. It is home to Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University. Although geographically dominated with mixed hardwoods and pines, poultry production is the major economic engine of Lincoln Parish agriculture, followed by forestry, livestock, home gardens, and fruits with a yearly combined value in excess of $352 million, The Master Gardener program meets monthly to learn more about horticulture and provide learning opportunities for the community. Horticulture programming includes gardening seminars, presentations to garden clubs, library events, and school gardens. The LSU AgCenter proudly supports the producers of our parish.

Whom We Reach

1300 youth (including 400 4-H members and 15 4-H Clubs) 2400 adults and youth (800 agriculture and natural resources and 1,600 youth and adult nutrition and community health).

How We Reach Them

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

Expanding Our Efforts

300 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Master Horseman, family and community

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, wildlife and animal enterprises to Lincoln Parish residents.

Land area — 472 square miles; Population —48,396; Population under 18 years old — 5,234; Population 65 years old and over — 9,002; Median household income — $38,035; Persons below poverty — 30.7%

Local Issues and Plans for this Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Livestock and forage management recommendations
• We are set up for private pesticide testing
• Write news columns, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Conduct various contests and activities
• Engage in leadership activities
• Work with schools to encourage and increase enrollment

Strengthen families and communities

• Nutrition and Community Health clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
• Engage the community in Healthy Community activities, identifying strengths and weaknesses
• Demonstrate how to prepare healthy recipes using fruits and vegetables

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