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

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Agriculture is a well diversified $82 million dollar industry vital to the economic health of St. Martin Parish.Plant enterprises lead the way, accounting for $49 million.In great part due to a nearly 31,000 acre, $38 million dollar sugarcane crop.Nearly 9,000 acres of soybeans, and over 4,000 acres of rice, account for the rest of the field crop total.Other major commodities include fisheries and wildlife valued at $26 million and animal enterprises including horses and cattle estimated at over $6 million.In the past few years educational program emphasis has been on Best Management Practices for all commodities including Master Farmer and Master Gardener Programs.This varied clientele is served through advisory committees, producer organizations, commodity meetings, field days, recycling programs, newspaper articles, internet, social media and e-mails.

4-H Youth Development

Helping community members reach their full potential, St. Martin Parish 4-H reached over 900 youth and 200 adults with educational programming efforts in 2018-2019.The educational focus of organizational 4-H clubs for the past year was Personal Development where youth were able to develop manners, quick thinking skills, goal setting, problem solving, critical thinking, nurturing relationships, communication, social skills, citizenship, and character development. The upcoming year’s focus is Exploring Agriculture– Near and Far! Since 2013, the St. Martin Parish 4-H program has offered a healthy living initiative to youth, their families, and the community.Through the initiative, innovative programming concepts were incorporated by 4-H agents to reach initiative goals.The agents were awarded a $2,500 4 Healthy Habits grant to implement programs. The 4-H program also offered programming in livestock, outdoor skills, citizenship, leadership, and science.

Programs:

4-H and Youth Development

Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR)

• Fisheries/Coastal Issues
• Animal Production
• Beef Cattle
• Environment/Watersheds
• Horticulture/Lawns and
• Gardens
• Pest Management
• Urban Forestry
• Sugarcane

Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS)

• Parents Preparing for Success
• Family Resource Management
• FNP -Family Nutrition Program
• Nutrition and Health

Who we reach:

47,945 - Youth (includes 861 4-H members &30 school 4-H clubs and 4 special interest clubs)

5,300 - Adults includes Ag & Natural Resources

How we reach them:

• 4-H clubs
• Class series
• School Enrichment
• Demonstrations
• Field days
• Workshops
• Newsletters
• Web sites
• PublicationsSocial media

Expanding our efforts:

• Volunteers - 300
• 4-H, Master Gardeners, Family & Community, Master Horsemen

Report to St. Martin Parish Stakeholders

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, fisheries, wildlife and animal enterprises to St. Martin Parish clientele.The 2018 total dollar amount from these commodities were:

• Plant enterprises- $49,341,876
• Fisheries and wildlife - $26,000,697
• Animal enterprises- $6,262,897

Data from the Louisiana Ag Summary:

• Web site: www.LSUAgCenter.com/agsummary
• Population—53,621
• Land area (square miles) - 737.65
• Persons under 18 years old - 24.2%
• Persons 65 years old and over - 15%
• Median household income - $47,279
• Persons in poverty - 19.2%

Local Issues & Plans for this year.

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture:

• By conducting Field Days, and Variety trials and On Farm demonstrations
• Holding commodity meetings for Rice, Soybeans, Beef Cattle, Pasture, and Forage Producers.
• Writing news columns, hosting agriculture seminars, farm & home educational visits and e-mails.
• Assisting residents and growers with flood relief efforts.Including the distributions of information thru the web and printed materials at recovery sites.Making crop damage assessments by visiting growers and networking with FSA and NRCS.
• B y promoting soil, water & forage testing and interpretation along with insect, disease and weed identification and control recommendations.

Promoting the wise use of natural resources and protection of the environment through:

• Master Gardener, Master Farmer, Master Cattlemen, Master Horseman Programs
• Sugarcane Burn Management.
• Pesticide Education Certification and re-certification programs.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H youth development.

• Develop and implement service learning projects throughout the parish
• Conduct educational opportunities for youth through parish Junior Leader Club
• Adult Volunteer Trainings and continue to increase volunteers through recruitment efforts.
• Continue community service projects among members.
• Focus on Exploring Agriculture curriculum during monthly 4-H organizational club meetings
• Host a 4-H Safety Day where youth will explore how to remain safe in different aspects of their lives

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%