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.
The St. Charles Parish 4-H Youth Development Program enables youth to gain important life skills through participation in age-appropriate experiential learning programs conducted in school, community, and other 4-H club enrichment opportunities. In 2022, the St. Charles Parish 4-H program focused on teaching youth about STEM education and leadership development through hands-on lessons and workshops. Over 400 youth gained knowledge, experience, and mastered skills in science, technology engineering, math, and leadership development. 4-H members and their families participated in annual STEM, civic engagement, and healthy living parish-wide programs, increasing their knowledge and skills and contributing their hands to larger service to help over 100+ families in the community.
St. Charles Parish Agricultural outputs include sugarcane, soybeans, commercial vegetables, home gardens, beef cattle, aquaculture, and fisheries. These agricultural enterprises contributed $12,503,059 to the parish’s economy in the past year. By providing horticultural advice and leading agricultural programming in our communities, the River Region Master Gardener Volunteer Association contributed $13,753.65 to the improvement of best management practices. Efforts through the St. Charles Parish Horticulture Advisory Committee have emphasized the importance and practicality of environmental sustainability, home gardening, and access to horticulture information.
St. Charles Parish ranks 6 out of 64 parishes for health outcomes and is in the top 25% of healthiest parishes in Louisiana (2023 County Health Rankings). According to the County Health Rankings, 36% of St. Charles residents are obese, which increases their risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Flavors of Health provides classes and workshops on a variety of topics that empower individuals and families to make healthy choices to live their most healthful lives. Programs include Healthy Communities, Smart Portions, Dining with Diabetes, Small Changes, Health Habits, Faithful Families: Eating Smarter Moving More, Lunch and Learns, Food Safety, and outreach initiatives. Over 1,000 adults and youth have participated in at least one of the programs to improve one’s health and wellbeing.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, trainings, websites, and workshops.
150+ volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, and family and community
LSU AgCenter Extension Agents provide research-based information on plant, fisheries and wildlife, and animal enterprises to St. Charles Parish clientele. The most recent total dollar amounts from these commodities are:
Plant Enterprises: $ 6,749,190
Fisheries and Wildlife: $3,846,545
Animal Enterprises: $1,907,324
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.