Richland Parish Profile

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)

The LSU AgCenter’s Nutrition & Community Health program in Richland Parish promotes well-being through education on healthy eating, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention. The Flavors of Health Nutrition Agent provides practical tips for goal setting, lifestyle changes, and nutritious choices. Parish-wide workshops and events covered topics such as chronic disease prevention (cancer, diabetes, hypertension), parent health, senior exercise, recovery support, cooking with herbs, nutrition labs, CHEF and fitness camps, germ education, and “Eat a Rainbow” summer reading.

4-H Youth Development (4-H)

Growing up in a parish rooted in agriculture, it’s important for youth to understand the role plants play in our everyday lives. Through the “Ag in a Bag” lessons, 4-H members are learning to identify plants and agricultural products, gaining knowledge about where food comes from and how it impacts our community. This agricultural literacy not only teaches them the origins of their food but also gives them knowledge to decide if they want to grow these plants at home, fostering independence and sustainability. As we continue to strengthen these efforts, we look forward to introducing additional opportunities such as life skills, STEM, gardening programs, shooting sports, and livestock program expansion to further prepare youth for success.

Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)

The Richland Parish gross farm value in 2024 was $115,082,963. Corn was the major plant enterprise in 2025. Richland Parish covers 362,640 acres with 41 percent of the land area in agriculture production. Beef cattle is the major animal enterprise. Specialty enterprises include pecans, sweet potatoes, and peanuts. Core block variety demonstrations with corn and soybeans are conducted on producer’s farms to provide unbiased information on variety performance to help producers make variety selections for planting. Private pesticide applicator and Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training are offered to producers and agricultural workers covering how to work with pesticides safely and protect the environment.

Whom We Reach:

388 4-H members in 17 school clubs, and 31 Cloverbud classes; 582 agricultural producers and home gardeners and 1,101 adults and 1,694 youth (through Nutrition and Community Health programs).

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

62 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 2024 total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $19,435,303; aquaculture and wildlife, $395,210; plant enterprises, $95,252,450

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
• Crop market information and agricultural program assistance.

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.
• Increase livestock participation through offering engaging trainings, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to show animals that build skills and confidence.
• Encourage shooting sports participation through offering skill-based trainings, outdoor experiences, and parish-wide promotion.
• 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 culinary cooking camps throughout the year for adult and youth clientele to enhance cooking skills and preparation of healthful meals and snacks.
• Conduct a series of chronic disease prevention programs annually: Dining with Diabetes, Nourish to Prevent: Cancer Prevention Smart Portions, Small Changes Healthy Habits, Break Up with Salt, and Stay Independent: A healthy aging series.

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