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.
Family and Consumer Sciences program efforts focus on improving the overall health and nutrition of residents in Natchitoches Parish. Nutrition programs such as SNAP-Ed play a crucial role in addressing obesity and chronic diseases associated with it. These programs are being implemented in various settings, including educational and healthcare institutions, Council on Aging sites, the local library, and the Women’s Resource Center. The primary aim of these programs is to encourage positive changes in dietary habits by promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables, reducing fat intake, selecting protein sources, and emphasizing physical activity. Moreover, FCS programming prioritizes food safety to ensure the well-being of individuals. The overarching goal of these nutrition programs is to make it more convenient for individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.
A series of safety lessons were presented at monthly club meetings which focused on internet safety, boating safety, food safety, etc. Natchitoches Parish has 30 organized 4-H clubs, with 1,050 members and over 3,600 students being served in the enrichment style setting. Natchitoches Parish is also home to 50 teen leaders that are heavily embedded in service and civic engagement.
Agriculture plays a major role in the livelihood of Natchitoches Parish residents. The parish is diverse agriculturally, with the animal and plant industries alone making up a farm value of over $169 million. Demonstration plots are maintained by row crop producers, and research projects can also be found in the parish.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media and workshops.
94 volunteers from 4-H, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Family & Consumer Sciences.
Natchitoches Parish is located in northwest Louisiana and consists of 1299 square miles, making it the 4th largest parish in the state. As the oldest city in LA, and the entire Louisiana Purchase, the parish is steeped in history with tourism boistering the local economy while the Christmas Festival draws large crowds every December. Agriculture plays a major role in the livelihoods of Natchitoches Parish residents. The parish is very diverse agriculturally, with the livestock and plant industries valuing over $200 million.
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.