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 wellbeing of residents by addressing chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyle—areas where Louisiana has historically ranked low. In Pointe Coupee Parish, the food and nutrition score is 42 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, news features, and youth culinary classes in partnership with 4-H, 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

For the 2025-2026 school year, our school club meetings for grades 4-12 will focus on the theme of “Life Skills.” A recent survey of 2,000 young adults (ages 16-30) across America revealed that 80% feel they were never taught practical life skills, essential for success beyond the classroom. Through this program, youth will gain valuable knowledge in areas such as budgeting, distinguishing needs versus wants, first aid, and other skills to prepare them for life after high school. In addition to these lessons, students will have opportunities to participate in exciting events like 4-H Camp, cooking competitions, Jr. Leader Club, Shooting Sports, Livestock Shows, Art Club, workshops, 4-H University, and Achievement Day, and more.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Pointe Coupee Parish cultivates corn, cotton, soybeans, sugarcane, rice, and wheat on about 165,000 acres and leads Louisiana in sugarcane production with over 82,000 acres. Farmers rely on LSU AgCenter research to boost efficiency and sustainability. Annual events like the Farm Forum and Sugarcane Variety Field Day provide science-based training to help producers improve operations and practice responsible land stewardship.

Whom We Reach:

• 5,230 youth (includes 415 4-H members and 16 school 4-H Clubs)
• 30,456 adults (9,103 through agriculture and natural resources and 21,353 through family consumer sciences)

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

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

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plants, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Pointe Coupee Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $12,228,406; aquaculture and wildlife, $4,269,214; plant enterprises, $203,833,690.

Land area — 556.9 square miles; Population —20,438; Population under 18 years old — 22%; Population 65 years old and over — 22%; Median household income — $59,351; Persons below poverty — 17.8%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct on-farm variety trials in corn, cotton, soybean, and wheat
• Make home and farm visits to provide educational information to solve problems
• Certify private pesticide applicators and Worker Protection Standards (WPS) through Farm Forum
• Conduct sugarcane variety field day with prescribed burn management certification
• Work with NRCS to promote conservation programs

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

• Promote Best Management Practices (BMP) for gardens, lawns, landscapes, and fruit/vegetable trees
• Conduct school garden programs to educate youth about healthy lifestyles
• Pointe Coupee Master Gardener Program

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Conduct school enrichment programs for youth to gain knowledge on states of matter, the properties of water, watersheds, buoyancy, recycling, and more
• Junior Leaders will participate in yearly service-learning projects
• Offer camp opportunities to strengthen independence of 4-H Youth
• Create belonging for youth and parents by using social media
• Continue hands-on workshops for youth
• Promote outdoor safety through the 4-H Outdoor Skills Program

Strengthen families and communities

The general nutrition program aims to promote health and prevent chronic diseases through comprehensive education. By offering classes such as Smart Portions and Dining with Diabetes, the program provides valuable knowledge on nutrition for health promotion and diabetes management. Additionally, the program collaborates with the school board's child nutrition program to educate children about healthy eating habits. It also encourages physical activity and literacy through initiatives like the story walk, fostering a complete approach to community well-being.

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