Sabine 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

A healthy lifestyle is vital at every age, yet obesity remains a concern in Louisiana. Sabine Parish encourages healthy nutrition and activity by creating healthy habits early, and by making balanced and healthy food choices through nutrition education.

4-H Youth Development

The Sabine Parish 4-H Youth Development program reaches students through a broad spectrum of programs and clubs, including all school clubs, public and private. Through the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Youth Development program, schools and teachers may request access to an abundance of school enrichment programs, featuring topics such as financial literacy, school gardening, substance abuse and healthy decision-making, wetlands conservation, emergency preparedness, and more! The parish office receives guidance and direction from the 4-H Advisory Leadership Council (ALC), which is comprised of a diverse committee that analyzes program data and parish needs to determine school club focus areas and project club programming.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sabine Parish is a leading producer of poultry and timber, with beef cattle, dairy, and honey production also playing key roles in its agricultural economy. Many retirees are drawn to the area for its abundant recreational opportunities, particularly around Toledo Bend Reservoir, and take great pride in their lawns and gardens. With a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation, wildlife and fisheries management remains a vital topic. The Sabine Master Gardeners host annual educational programs like the “Down and Dirty” seminar, demonstrations at local festivals, and Ag-Magic at the Louisiana State Fair. Over 34 active Master Gardeners educate more than 2,500 citizens each year on landscape design, vegetable gardening, flowering plants, and turf management.

Whom we reach:

• More than 1,000 youth (including 520 4-H members and 17 school 4-H clubs)
• 5,000 adults (1,300 in agriculture and natural resources and 3,700 family, Nutrition and Community Health)

How we reach them:

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

Expanding our efforts:

165 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community, Poultry and Livestock.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plants, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Sabine Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $132,786,787; aquaculture and wildlife, $6,513,411 plant enterprises, $59,055,627. Land area — 865.27 square miles; Population —24,145; Population under 18 years old — 24.9%; Population 65 years old and over — 16.8%; Median household income — $52,407; Persons below poverty — 19.6%

Local issues and plans for this year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Attend beef cattle/forage meetings
• Assist with poultry litter management and dead bird disposal
• Assist with the Master Gardener Program
• Conduct pesticide recertification meetings
• Assist homeowners with lawn and garden questions

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

• Work with the Sabine Soil and Water Conservation District promoting their feral hog program
• Promote the BMP’s of soil health and soil nutrient testing
• Educate the public through various Livestock seminars and field days

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Junior Leaders will continue volunteering service hours in our community
• Work with Sabine Humane Society assisting with caretaking responsibilities

Strengthen families and communities

• Provide nutrition education and physical activity opportunities for older adults at the Sabine Council on Aging to support healthy aging and well-being
• Offer workshops on practical, budget-friendly meal planning and grocery shopping strategies to help families make nutritious choices
• Educate families and caregivers in safe food handling, meal preparation, and physical activity to enhance overall community 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:

• Nutrition and Community Health
• 4-H Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources