About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter provides 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

Family & Consumer Science

Obesity rates are on the rise, and Louisiana is among the most obese states in the country. Educating people of all ages about the importance of healthy eating and taking care of their bodies can help reduce the risk of experiencing the consequences associated with obesity later in life. To promote healthy lifestyle changes, many citizens are learning to build a nutritious plate and to be more physically active. The "Let's Eat for the Health of It/Adult" curriculum is currently being taught to adults throughout Sabine Parish at the Sabine Parish Library. Additionally, "Happy Healthy Me" is being offered at the same library to encourage healthy lifestyles among preschool-aged children.

4-H Youth Development

In collaboration with a state lesson study program, Sabine Parish 4-H has embarked on a mission to empower over 700 students with vital life skills. Our curriculum encompasses diverse topics such as vehicle maintenance, job search strategies, consumer skills, budgeting, writing, and home maintenance. By mastering these skills, students will be better prepared to tackle everyday challenges with confidence and ease. Sabine Parish 4-H offers an array of clubs beyond the school curriculum. These include but are not limited to, Sewing, Cooking, Shooting Sports, Cloverbuds, and Junior Leaders.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sabine Parish is one of the largest poultry 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 focusing on the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Many of these citizens take pride in their lawns and gardens. With an emphasis on outdoor recreation in the parish, wildlife and fisheries management is always an important topic. The Sabine Master Gardeners conduct several educational programs annually such as the “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 550 4-H members and 17 school 4-H Clubs)
• 5,000 adults (1,300 in 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, 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 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

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Plant live oaks with Acorns of Hope for storm surge protection in coastal areas
• Junior Leaders will work with CASA, character education projects, and fashion club members on promoting youth development activities

Strengthen families and communities

• SNAP-Ed clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
• Conduct nutrition education workshops with information on health and nutrition, food safety, MyPlate, and incorporating physical activity into family lifestyles
• Teach stand-alone nutrition lessons and healthy recipe demonstrations to various audiences in Sabine Parish

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
• Family and Consumer Sciences