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

Red River Parish provides evidence-based programs and resources to promote healthy eating, active living, and overall well-being within our community. Through initiatives like SNAP-Ed, Smart Portions, and Let’s Eat for the Health of It, we offer tailored education for youth, adults, and families to encourage sustainable healthy habits. By partnering with local organizations and engaging the community, we strive to create a supportive environment for long-term wellness.

• SNAP-Ed: Empowering families with nutrition education.
• Healthy Communities: Fostering wellness through local initiatives.
• Let’s Eat for the Health of It: Engaging youth and adults in practical nutrition lessons.
• Family Nutrition Night: Promoting healthy habits for the whole family.
• Smart Portions: Teaching portion control for better health.
• Small Changes, Healthy Habits: Encouraging simple steps for lasting wellness.
• Faithful Families: Integrating faith and health for stronger communities.

4-H Youth Development

Red River Parish has 280 4-H club members, and 30 volunteers enrolled in 11 of the 4-H clubs in the parish. There are six project clubs in the parish: Junior Leader Club, 4-H Outdoor Skills, 4-H Livestock, Robotics, 4-H Chefs, and 4-H Explorers.

Events

• Camps (Summer Camp, Drone Camp, LOST Camp, Marsh Maneuvers, Fashion Camp, Junior Leader Conference, Challenge Camp, Shooting Sports Camp and many more)
• Workshops (Culinary, STEM, Crafts, etc.)
• School Gardening Lessons for 4th graders at Riverdale, Red River Elementary, and Red River Academic Academy
• 4-H University (LSU University)
• National 4-H Week
• Achievement Day
• Contests (pet show, Cooking Contest, Christmas Cookies, Pet Art, LEGO Engineering, Beef Poster, Dairy Poster, Pumpkin Decorating, etc)
• Regional/State Junior Leader events
• Regional/State Leadership events
• Regional/State Shooting Sports and Livestock events
• AgMagic (State Fair of Louisiana)

Services

• Christmas Parade Float
• Nursing Home
• Council on Aging
• Donated Items for Red River Industries
• Food Bank donation
• Homeless
• Operation Christmas Child
• Providence House

Agriculture and Natural Resources

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Red River Parish residents. Agriculture plays a major role in the livelihood of Red River Parish residents. The parish is very diverse agriculturally, with the livestock and plant industries. The largest economic production comes from forestry, beef cattle, corn, and soybeans. Other crops that are grown in Red River parish include grain sorghum, wheat, and hay production. In addition to large-scale producers, home gardens are common throughout the parish, with homeowners tending to fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

Whom We Reach:

• 280 youth (includes 280 4-H members, 10 school clubs, 1 Homeschool club, 5 Project Clubs)
• 500 agriculture, natural resources, and family consumer sciences

Expanding Our Efforts:

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

Parish Facts:

Red River Parish is in northwest Louisiana and consists of 388.6 square miles. Established March 2, 1871, the parish was named for the Red River which flows through the entire length of the parish. Coushatta is the parish seat and was named for an Indian tribe which once inhabited the area. Population 9,091: Population under 18 years old — 23.4%; Population 65 years old and over — 19.7%; Median household income — $33,817; Persons below poverty — 23.7%

Local Issues and Plans for this Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct beef cattle and crop workshops, along with other related topics
• 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
• Grow school gardens in our local schools

Strengthen families and communities

• Expanding ongoing Healthy Communities Projects
• Provide programming to prevent, reduce, or manage various diet-related diseases
• Teaching portion control for better health

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