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.
Ouachita Parish typically ranks in the mid-to-lower range for health outcomes compared to other parishes in Louisiana according to County Health Rankings data. Ouachita Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) Programs include Flavors of Health and SNAP-Ed. Nutrition education is conducted through series of classes, special events, and social marketing to promote healthy communities and lifestyles. Partnerships have been formed through Healthy Communities Coalitions to promote policies, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes to make healthy choices easier.
The Ouachita 4-H Club focus for 2024-2025 is Science for elementary and Service-Learning for middle and high schools. Ouachita 4-H maintains project clubs in shooting sports, robotics, photography, junior leadership, and livestock opportunities as well as a new zoology club. A variety of contests, camps, workshops, and citizenship opportunities continue to be available to our youth on parish, regional, and state levels. These opportunities target three 4-H mission mandates: Science, Engineering, and Technology; Healthy Living; and Citizenship.
Horticulture programming includes a gardening seminar, presentations to garden clubs, a monthly lawn and garden article, a biweekly radio segment, and a weekly television segment. The North Louisiana Seed Preservation Program continues to expand its heirloom seed holdings. Other programming will focus on residential lawn care, pruning, home composting and recycling yard waste, and techniques from regenerative agriculture. Ouachita had a total of 40,923.8 acres for planted row crops. Corn had the highest total with 10,523.3 acres followed by Soybeans with 8,091.6 acres, Rice with 7,252.9 acres, and Cotton with 6,453.9 acres. Yields are expected to average close to last year’s. Core block trials in the parish were harvested. Private Applicator and Worker Protection Standard training is offered.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, news articles, television, class series, demonstrations, school/community gardens, social media, website, special events, workshops, coalition meetings, virtual programs, and PSE changes.
255 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Nutrition and Community Health, Healthy Communities and Horticulture.
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Ouachita Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $23,354,789; aquaculture and wildlife, $5,145,062; plant enterprises, $67,109,249 (Source: Louisiana Summary 2023). Land area – 610.4 square miles; Population - 157,568; Population under 18 years old - 24.5%; Population 65 years old and over - 16.3%; Median household income - $49,261; Persons below poverty - 23.5%.
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.
For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSUAgCenter.com