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

Nutrition & Community Health (NCH) programs provide nutrition education and community outreach for youth and adults in Lincoln Parish. We offer two primary initiatives: SNAP-Ed and Flavors of Health. SNAP-Ed delivered free nutrition lessons and resources to SNAP recipients; however, this program ended on September 30, 2025, and will no longer be available. Flavors of Health continues to promote overall wellness through classes and workshops on a variety of topics, empowering individuals and families to make informed choices about food and fitness.

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. The Lincoln Parish 4-H program currently enrolls approximately 1322 youth through club, group, and school enrichment programming. Lincoln Parish 4-H includes a diverse membership and offers a variety of enhanced learning experiences. The parish 4-H program specializes in offering unique hands-on contests, day camps, and workshops where youth apply their learned life skills while they Learn by Doing.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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. Horticulture programming includes gardening seminars, presentations to garden clubs, library events, quarterly newsletters, the Master Gardener group and school gardens.

Whom We Reach

• 1300 youth, including 464 4-H members
• 13 4-H clubs
• Over 2400 youth and adults through ANR and NCH

How We Reach Them

• 4-H Clubs, School Enrichment
• Field Days
• Publications/Newsletters
• Class series/Seminars
• Websites/Social Media
• Workshops

Expanding Our Efforts

• 300 volunteers from 4-H
• 60 Master Gardeners
• 80 home visits

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, wildlife and animal enterprises to Lincoln Parish residents. It is home to Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University, with poultry being the major economic engine of agriculture.

Land area — 472 square miles; Population —48,243; 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

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish to encourage civic development
• Conduct diverse contests and activities utilizing a variety of methods
• Engage youth in leadership activities and enhance opportunities
• Work with parish school system to increase enrollment and encourage involvement

Strengthen families and communities

• Businesses receive support and specialized programming from the AgCenter nutrition agents
• SNAP-Ed audiences had access to educational lessons and materials on topics such as nutrition and wellness, diet and health, food purchasing, food dollar management, food safety, and gardening
• Flavors of Health participants received information and nutrition classes focused on cooking skills, grocery shopping strategies, setting small goals, developing healthy habits, exercise and physical activity guidance, weight management, and diet-related disease prevention

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