St. John 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

According to the County Health Rankings, 44% of St. John the Baptist 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.

4-H Youth Development

With the U.S. workforce shrinking and employers facing talent shortages, preparing youth for life and work is essential. The Beyond Ready Youth Survey shows teens feel underprepared for critical skills like problem-solving, stress management, and financial literacy. Guided by our theme, Build: Inspire, Influence, Impact, St. John Parish 4-H addresses these gaps through Jr. Leaders, focused club meetings, and hands-on programs like our cooking series and parish contests. These experiences embed Beyond Ready principles, equipping youth with the confidence and competencies to succeed in college, careers, and community life.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Seminars conducted at the library continue to provide the community with education on various topics to improve the skill set of home horticulture. Recent topics included edible landscaping, identifying friend or foe insects, composting, and revamping the garden after spring and summer seasons. The seed swap stations at the libraries are still available to encourage home seed collection and preservation. The River Region Master Gardener’s Course was successfully completed this year, training 13 new volunteers for our area.

Who we reach

• 646 youth (includes 436 4-H members and 12 school 4-H Clubs and one (1) community club)
• 360 adults (through Agriculture and Natural Resources through Nutrition and Community Health classes and programs)

How we reach them:

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

Expanding our efforts:

90 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Nutrition and Community Health

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to St. John Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $570,695; aquaculture and wildlife, $104,282; plant enterprises, $16,922,854

Land area—214.47 square miles; Population —39,694; Population under 18 years old —23.6%Population 65 years old and over —6.8%; Median household income — $67,418; Persons below poverty —16.8%

Local Issues & Plans for this year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture

• Conduct multi-parish field days on sugarcane, wildlife, and tomato/vegetables.
• Provide seminars and workshops on the best horticultural management practices.
• Write news columns, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices.
• Conduct educational and diagnostic home and farm visits.

Reconnect with the community to promote the care and use of natural resources and protection of the environment

• Connecting with the community to promote the care and sustainable use of our natural resources.
• Advise homeowners on the wise use of pesticides and other chemicals.
• Conduct a recertification class for pesticide handlers, with LDAF.
• Provide informational assistance on landscape and pond management.
• Conduct a Master Gardener Training Course for the River Region area.
• Provide seasonal guidance on garden production and highlight local gardens.

Helping youth thrive through 4-H Youth Development

• Expand hands-on learning in life skills and sustainability.
• Strengthen financial literacy and workforce readiness by integrating budgeting, application skills and career exploration (including trades and technology), into club meetings.
• Engage youth through modern platforms to make learning relevant and “smart and cool”.

Strengthen families and communities

• Teach nutritious lessons and healthy recipe demonstrations to the residents of the parish
• Conduct nutrition and health programs that help create healthy communities by improving overall nutrition and physical activity levels, in youth and adults
• Collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders on parish needs assessment

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 Healthy
• 4-H and Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources