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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.
Loss of federal funding for the SNAP-ED program resulted in the loss of a Nutrition Educator II in the parish. The LSU AgCenter recently appointed a new regional general nutrition educator in the parish to continue nutrition education programming throughout the parish, working to enhance the well-being of residents by addressing chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles. The Tangipahoa Parish AgCenter continues to work diligently in multiple parish schools and community gardens on food nutrition classes throughout the parish and community to improve nutrition education.
Louisiana Sea Grant Marine Extension Program (LSG MEP) is a joint extension effort with the LSU AgCenter promoting science-based information and tools through outreach and education that support our thriving coastal communities. Marine Extension Agents reside in parishes across the coast implementing programming to improve local habitats, recreational and commercial fishing industries, extend education programs to youth and adults, encourage resilient planning, and develop economic opportunities through local partnerships. In Tangipahoa Parish, LSG MEP is involved in youth education at schools and wetland education events at local wetland habitats and through partnerships with groups like Southeastern Louisiana University Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station. Communities received resiliency outreach on the potential effects of tropical storms, preparedness before a tropical storm, and recovery from flooding events. Regional pond workshops occur yearly, with opportunities for individual pond consultation as needed.
Tangipahoa Parish 4-H enrollment is approximately 910 students. We reach over 3,000 youth across Tangipahoa Parish among various parish activities. Some of our 4-H activities are open to the public and not just 4-H participants. 4-H plays a crucial role in education, with active clubs in all public and private schools, as well as several community clubs throughout the parish. Club meetings emphasize areas such as Science, Technology, Gardening, Leadership, and Workforce Preparation. The 4-H Shooting Sports Club educates youth on firearms, hunting, firearm safety, marksmanship, and ethical hunting practices. Instructors provide a safe and supportive environment for members to learn about firearms. Additionally, members of the Junior Leader Club develop their abilities by engaging more deeply in 4-H and their communities through service- learning and community service projects. Our parish reaches a very diverse audience of youth. Enrollment continues to increase in the Shooting Sports Project Club, Livestock Project Club and the JR Leader Club projects. These increases led to a greater representation of Tangipahoa Parish 4-H on both a regional and state level. Some of our Shooting Sports and Livestock participants even compete on a national level.
Horticulture - Tangipahoa is one of the top horticultural crop-producing parishes in Louisiana, with approximately 1000 acres of commercial nursery crops, vegetable, and fruit production. Local LSU AgCenter support for fruit and vegetable growers includes one-on-one assistance, educational meetings, and Tangi-Washington Grower Updates. The LSU AgCenter provides support to Tangipahoa Parish gardeners with one-on-one assistance, weekly news articles, and presentations in the community. During 2024, volunteers with the Louisiana Master Gardener program logged 1909 hours of volunteer service, and twelve people completed the 14-week LMG course. Volunteer work strengthens our organization and our communities.
Livestock/Pasture-Programming included working with current and new producers in Tangipahoa Parish who need assistance with forage, hay, pesticide, and cattle issues as well as working with farmers as a consultant on new and ongoing production practices including beef and dairy cattle. Working with many producers and homeowners for pond issues by answering calls and field visits. Regional livestock specialist conducted a Master Cattleman class in St. Helena Parish in 2025. Several cattle producers in Tangipahoa graduated from the class. Regional specialist continues to participate in the Tangipahoa Parish Cattlemen’s Association Annual meeting to promote the AgCenter and build clientele network.
Forestry/Wildlife-Programs curated specifically for students in Tree Identification, Wildlife, and renewable natural resources. Teacher training is now being conducted at site specific locations. Future semesters will include field trips where students will increase their knowledge of water quality, forestry, wildlife, and renewable natural resources. Evaluations for students and teachers will be conducted to evaluate programming impact. Landowner meetings to help participants increase knowledge on estate planning and timber taxes concentrating on recent losses from Hurricane Ida. ANR Regional Committee worked together to host a regional ANR training for agents covering soil and pond water quality testing.
Youth programming (includes over 910 4-H members with over 185 adult volunteers, 39 4-H Clubs) and (818 youth and over 150 adults through nutrition education classes) Adult and Youth programming through agriculture and natural resources and through family consumer sciences programs.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, websites, social media, and workshops.
235 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community and Master Cattlemen.
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.
Tangipahoa Parish Profile 2026pdf / 0.52MB