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.
The Vernon Parish 4-H program has 32 traditional clubs for 9 to19 year olds. 4-H is a traditional agriculture and family- based program that teaches youth necessary life skills. Some of these include personal development, decision making, communication, economic development, citizenship/service learning and leadership. They are taught through club meetings, camps, workshops, contests, and social activities. In addition to traditional clubs 4-H is also offered at Ft. Johnson Military Installation. Members can join the 4-H livestock club, Vernon Parish Shooting Sports and the Teen Leader Club. Vernon Parish also continues to have one the larger enrollments in the state.
LSU AgCenter Extension service provides support to the citizens of Vernon Parish through home visits, soil sample testing, pesticide classes and education. Plant enterprise is the overall leader which includes Forestry, home gardens, hay, vegetables, nursery crops, and fruits. Forestry is the biggest category in our parish for gross farm value. Forestry Enterprise Production in Vernon Parish has a gross farm value of 77,704,303 dollars per year. This includes many types of wood such as pulpwood, pine, chip, saw, and hardwoods. Animal Enterprises Production is second in Vernon Parish and has a gross farm value of $24,384,931 and includes cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine and exotic animals.
Nutrition and Community Health agents and educators are improving the overall health of residents by helping to reduce chronic diseases which are related to poor nutrition and sedentary lifestyles and improving the health outcomes in which Louisiana has traditionally ranked so low. In Vernon Parish, the food and nutrition score is 40/100, indicating a significant need for improved access to healthy food options and better nutrition education. Vernon Nutrition and Community Health Programs include Flavors of Health and SNAP-Ed. Nutrition education offered through in -person classes as well as social and traditional media. Through a partnership with WIC, “Together Tuesday,” a monthly resource fair, is hosted at the Vernon Parish Health Unit. New colorful stencils have been painted at Dogwood Park, Vernon Middle School and the library, encouraging physical activity. There is now a permanent StoryWalk signage at Dogwood Park, which includes a survey for a free book at the LSU AgCenter office.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media and workshops
190 volunteers from 4-H, Livestock Club, family and community
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on Forestry and Plant enterprises, Fisheries & Wildlife enterprises, and animal enterprises to Vernon Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Forestry & Plant enterprises - $83,278,796; Animal enterprises, $24,384,931; Fisheries & Wildlife Enterprises -$ 275,791. Land area — 1,326.72 square miles; Population —46,250; Population under 18 years old — 25.4%; Population 65 years old and over — 14.4%; Median household income— $58;281 Persons below poverty — 16.7%
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.