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.
In St. Landry Parish, the food and nutrition score is 42/100, indicating a significant need for improved access to healthy food options and better nutrition education. The general nutrition program, Flavors of Health, aims to promote health and prevent chronic diseases through comprehensive education. By offering classes such as Smart Portions and Dining with Diabetes, the program provides valuable knowledge on nutrition for health promotion and diabetes management. Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) will also educate families with limited resources. Both programs are for youth and adults.
The 4-H program recognizes youth as important and valuable resources in communities. Through civic engagement and meaningful leadership roles, youth can develop life skills and social responsibility along with becoming more aware of what their community needs. Through the Junior Leader Club “Hunger and Poverty” service project; members conducted hygiene and nonperishable food supply drives, made hygiene bags for mens shelter and community blessing boxes, and donated food to local food bank. As a result, 100 hygiene bags were made and 10 boxes of food was donated.
St. Landry Parish is the most diversified parish in the state; nearly every major crop grown in the state is grown here. Soybeans, Sugarcane, & Rice are the leading crops planted in the parish, with 73,000, 28,000, & 27,000 acres grown annually, respectively. Crawfish production in 2023 showed 35,900 acres in ponds and over 23 million pounds produced. The livestock industry also has a great presence in St. Landry with equine and beef cattle production. St. Landry Parish is home to one of only seven livestock sale barns in the state and one of only four horse racing tracks. In May of 2022, St. Landry Parish was designated as the “Equine Capital of Louisiana.”
2,864 youth (includes 636 4-H members and 29 school 4-H Clubs)
4,594 adults (4,145 through agriculture and natural resources and 449 through nutrition and community health)
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media and workshops.
150 volunteers from 4-H, ag producers, family and community, Master Cattleman, and Master Horseman.
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to St. Landry Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $32,348,369; aquaculture and wildlife, $35,312,928; plant enterprises, $119,926,879
Land area — 924.03 square miles; Population —81,464; Population under 18 years old — 26.7%; Population 65 years old and over — 17.3%; Median household income — $45,637; Persons below poverty — 23.2%
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.
For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSUAgCenter.com