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 - (NCH)

Flavors of Health is a community nutrition program put in place to motivate and empower Louisianans to make healthy food and fitness choices to live a healthy life.This community-based work focuses on helping to reduce chronic diseases which can be related to poor health outcomes. In Richland Parish, the following topics were covered: A Taste of Herb and Spices, The Learning Lab, National Nutrition Month, Chef and Fitness Camp, Cookery Quiz Bowl, Summer Reading, Cool Nutrition, and Home Food Preservation Workshop: From "Juice to Jars".

4-H Youth Development (4-H)

Growing up in a rural parish that is full of farmland has it's perks, but first you must understand the ways of agriculture. To help with this, we are using the "AgCultivators" program. This program helps the youth understand where products come from, how food is grown and how weather can impact farmers and their products.

Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)

Total planted row crop acreage in Richland Parish was 114,297.5. Soybeans consisted of the most planted acres in Richland Parish with 49,284.6 acres .This was followed by corn with 39,824.5 ac, cotton with 20,051.6 ac. and rice with 3,606.8 acres. Core block trials in the parish were grown and harvested with the help of producers. Private Applicator Certification and Worker Protection Standard training is offered to producers as well as agriculture workers.

Whom We Reach:

435 4-H members in 17 school clubs, 392 agricultural producers and home gardeners and 382 adults and 1,614 youth (through Nutrition and Community Health programs).

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, farm and home visits, on-farm demonstrations, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, emails, and workshops.

Expanding Our Efforts:

58 volunteers from 4-H, ANR, and NCH (Advisory Leadership Councils, 4-H school club leaders, after-school club leaders, ANR cooperators).

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Richland Parish residents. The 2023 total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $14,346,478; aquaculture and wildlife, $302,160; plant enterprises, $146,126,398.

Land area - 555.61 square miles; Population - 19,712; Population under 18 years old - 23.8%; Population 65 years old and over - 19%; Median household income - $52,960; Persons below poverty - 25.1%

Local Issues and Plans For This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct crop production meetings, variety and related on-farm demonstrations
• Use regular mail, email distributions, Web page, newsletters, and local newspaper to disseminate information
• Make farm and home educational visits. Work with commodity and farm groups
• Irrigation management, surge valves, pipe planter

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

• Conduct training for private pesticide applicators and agriculture workers

Build leadership, partnerships, and youth potential through 4-H Development

• Spark STEM interest by creating a Robotics club at the local elementary schools
• Partner with the NCH Agent to help create fun and positive activities that increase healthy living
• Increase personal development by teaching leadership skills, boosting confidence and creating positive character development

Strengthen families and communities

• Conduct physical activity and fitness workshops throughout the year to address childhood obesity and to improve overall quality of life for both youth and adult community members
• Conduct a series of 5 nutrition education programs annually: Dining with Diabetes, Smart Portions, Small Changes Healthy Habits, Break Up with Salt, and Stay Independent: A healthy aging series
• Conduct culinary cooking camps throughout the year for adult and youth clientele to enhance cooking skills and preparation of healthful meals and snacks
• Facilitate quarterly Healthy Communities Coalition Meetings to identify the needs of the parish to create policy, system, and/or environmental changes

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: www.LSUAgCenter.com