Vermilion 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

Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) programs are vital in improving the overall health of Vermilion Parish residents by addressing chronic diseases linked to poor nutrition and physical inactivity. According to U.S. County Health Rankings, 39% of our population is obese, and 22% of adults report fair or poor health. Through initiatives such as healthy eating education, sodium reduction, chronic disease prevention, and increased physical activity, NCH empowers individuals to make informed lifestyle choices. These efforts not only enhance personal well-being but also contribute to reducing chronic disease prevalence and improving long-term health outcomes in our community.

4-H Youth Development

In Vermilion Parish, 4-H is a vital part of the educational process with over 36 school clubs serving more than 1,200 members annually. Our club programming offers youth a variety of hand-on opportunities to build knowledge and improve their leadership, communication and life skills. Members attend monthly club meetings in school, work on individual projects, and take part in community service activities. They also have opportunities to participate in parish-level workshops and contests. The positive, incentive-based program provides rewards for members every step of the way. Young people in 4-H “learn by doing”!

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture and Fisheries have a major economic value in Vermilion Parish. Combined they generated $316 million to the local economy. Vermilion is the 6th largest land size in Louisiana. Major commodities include rice, sugarcane, beef cattle, crawfish, alligators and shrimp. LSU AgCenter agents provide research-based information in these areas through home visits, field days and educational programs.

Whom We Reach:

• 42,785 youth (includes 1,200 4-H members and 36 school 4-H Clubs)
• 24,901 adults (3,548 through agriculture and natural resources and 21,353 through nutrition and community health)

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

With the assistance of over 300 volunteers, we work to provide educational opportunities for our clientele through 4-H, NCH and ANR programming efforts.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Vermilion Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $59,458,114; aquaculture and wildlife, $83,144,439; plant enterprises, $174,048,724. Vermilion was established in 1844 with the Parish seat located in Abbeville. Population – 57,070, Land area — 1,542 square miles; 24% of the parish is covered by water systems.

Local Issues and Plans for this Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct sugarcane, cattle, rice field days
• Educational resources and industry updates for shrimpers and crawfish producers
• Due to excessive drought conditions through the summer/fall more alternatives will be shared to meet winter nutrition requirements for beef cattle
• Write newsletters, and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits

Promote the wide use of natural resources and protection of the environment

• Resources and educational material are shared with local groups and governing bodies related to environmental and coastal protection strategies
• Jr. Leader club members will conduct service-learning projects and hear from guest speakers throughout the year to learn and create community awareness related to literacy

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Hands-on programs related to life skills will be taught to 4-H members at monthly club meetings throughout the parish
• Parish contest events will be offered such as: Personal Development, Demonstration Day, Achievement Day and Record Books to allow 4-H members an opportunity to build organizational, communication and team working skills
• Junior Leaders organized a yearlong service-learning effort on literacy to increase knowledge and promote community awareness

Strengthen families and communities

• NCH program clients receive education and training on feeding their families healthier according to their economic status
• Nutrition and health programs to help reduce the incidence of chronic disease and prevent obesity
• With Healthy Communities efforts residents will have greater access to walking and biking safely to the downtown Abbeville area

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.

For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSUAgCenter.com