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

Family and Consumer Sciences

Currently, Helping Hands food pantry staff and volunteers expressed concern that box recipients had difficulty utilizing some items in their boxes. Snap Agent, Lori Marto addressed the concern by distributing recipes to ensure that all food box recipients create healthy, delicious meals from all the food box items that they receive. The recipe of the month has reached over 200 Helping Hands recipients, who look forward to trying and sharing the recipe.

4-H Youth Development

The Vernon Parish 4-H program has 31 traditional clubs for 9-19 year olds. 4-H is a traditional agriculture and family consumer science based program that teaches youth necessary life skills. Some of these life skills include personal development, decision making, communication, economic development, citizenship/service learning and leadership. These life skills are taught through club meetings, camps, workshops, contests, tours, and social activities. In addition to traditional clubs 4-H is also offered on Ft. Polk Military Installation. Members can also join the 4-H livestock club, and the 4-H Teen Leader club. Vernon Parish also continues to have one the largest enrollments in the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Forestry in Vernon Parish has a gross farm value of 49,166,382 dollars per year. This includes many types of wood such as pulpwood, pine, chip and saw, and hardwoods. In 2020 Hurricane Laura hit and Vernon parish took the largest economic loss of timber in the state at 360 million according to Louisiana Department of Ag and Forestry.

Whom We Reach:

6192 youth (includes 1,147 4-H members and 31 school 4-H Clubs) 2000 adults (through agriculture and natural resources and through family consumer sciences).

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

190 volunteers from 4-H, family and community.

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Vernon Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $36,578,542; aquaculture and wildlife, $286,772; plant enterprises, $54,044,558. Land area — 1,327.91 square miles; Population —47,429; Population under 18 years old — 24.6%; Population 65 years old and over — 12.7%; Median household income — $49,141; Persons below poverty — 15.3%.

Local Issues and Plans For This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture.

• Increase Agriculture awareness parish wide.
• Write/ share news column, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices.
• Conduct farm and home educational visits.
• Distribute Horticulture Hints and gardening literature to local places.

Promote the wise use of natural resources and protection of the environment.

• Before and after hurricane/ storm information.
• Conduct private pesticide re-certification classes.
• Provide literature and website links to local community on topics.
• Provide and discuss soil sample kits and results.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.

• Develop, organize, and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish.
• Teen Leaders will work on character education projects based on the six pillars of character.
• Enhance adult and youth volunteer programs through recruiting, training, and recognition.

Strengthen families and communities

• Develop and implement healthy community projects such as; Story Walks and community gardens.
• Promote character education and awareness among target audiences.
• Teach nutrition, physical activity, and food safety classes.
• Conduct workshops/ kids’ day camps on current nutrition topics.

How We Are Funded

You are the local supporters and beneficiaries of the LSU AgCenter extension programs. Your support keeps these programs in your communities. 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.