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

Science, Engineering, and Technology

As we approach a new decade, the competition for success in the workforce has greatly increased.By offering our students more SET/STEM workshops and project clubs, we are by far reaching a greater audience. Sabine Parish has an active shooting sports club, sewing club, SET club, photography club, and livestock club.Students have attended Fashion Camp, LOST camp, and Shooting Sports Camp in 2019.

4-H Youth Development

Sabine Parish 4-H is working with a state lesson study program to increase knowledge of where our food comes from a program Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! Students are learning about how and where our food is grown, healthy food choices, and learning more about our farming industry. Students will be shown that food does not come directly from the grocery store, but from farms where the fruits and vegetables are grown. Over 700 students are learning more about farming and our future of food. We are working to educate students and families about making healthier choices to keep childhood and adult obesity at a minimum.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sabine Parish is one of the largest poultries and timber producing parishes in the state. Beef cattle, dairy, and honey production also contribute strongly to Sabine’s agricultural presence. Many retirees move into the Parish because of our endless recreational opportunities which focus around the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Many of these citizens take pride in their lawns and gardens. The Sabine Master Gardeners conduct several educational programs annually such as “Down and Dirty” seminar, demonstrations at the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta and the Logger’s Festival, and Ag-Magic at the Louisiana State Fair. Over 34 active Master Gardeners teach landscape design, vegetable gardening, flowering plant, and turf lessons to well over 2,500 citizens each year.

Whom we reach:

• More than 1,000 youth (includes 717 4-H members and 16 school 4-H Clubs)
• 5,000 adults (1,300 agriculture and natural resources and 3,700 family consumer sciences)

How we reach them:

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

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 plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Sabine Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $173,519,743; aquaculture and wildlife, $6,399,575; plant enterprises, $60,396,028.

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 — $40,340; 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

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.

• Strengthen volunteer base through trainings and workshops to create a greater sense of belonging.
• State 4-H Leadership Board Members will increase awareness and service projects related to their respective board throughout the Parish
• Continue to offer community service-learning projects to build a sense of generosity among teen leadership club members.
• Increase skills in the fishing sports area with 4-H’ers in Sabine parish through workshops, guest speakers, fishing events.As well as measuring an increase in skills, knowledge of, appreciation for, and conservation of natural resources will also be measured.
• Increase 4-H livestock participation throughout Sabine Parish.

Strengthen families and communities

• Family Nutrition Program clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget.
• Conduct workshops on disaster preparedness, grab and go Boxes, storm clean-up and house cleaning after a storm.
• Teach classes on reducing credit balances and examining spending habits.

How we are funded:

You are the local supporters and beneficiaries in the LSU AgCenter extension programs. Just 20% support keeps these programs in your community. Your parish extension office offers programs in:

• Sustaining Louisiana agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
• Building leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.
• Family, nutrition and health to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana’s citizens.

LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds for FY 2019-2020:

• State general direct: 74.9%
• Federal funds: 13.6%
• Self-generated: 7.1%
• Statutory deductions: 4.4%