Webster 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 & Community Health (NCH) programs provide nutrition education and community outreach for youth and adults in Webster Parish. We offer two primary initiatives: SNAP-Ed and Flavors of Health. SNAP-Ed delivered free nutrition lessons and resources to SNAP recipients; however, this program ended on September 30, 2025, and will no longer be available. Flavors of Health continues to promote overall wellness through classes and workshops on a variety of topics, empowering individuals and families to make informed choices about food and fitness.

4-H Youth Development

In 2025, Webster Parish 4-H continued its mission of empowering youth through hands-on learning and leadership opportunities. This year’s club focus, “Choose Health: Food, Fitness, and Fun,” encouraged members to make positive lifestyle choices. Youth participated in engaging lessons such as drinking low-fat milk and water instead of sweetened beverages, adding color to their plates with more fruits and vegetables, understanding Nutrition Facts labels, choosing whole grains over refined grains, making healthy choices at fast-food restaurants, and powering up their day with a nutritious breakfast. Beyond health education, Webster Parish 4-H offered diverse programs including Cooking Club, Shooting Sports, and Junior Leaders, providing opportunities for skill-building, leadership development, and teamwork.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Webster Parish Extension Office provides citizens with a variety of services in Agriculture and Natural Resources. These include the following: soil sampling through the LSU AgCenter Soil Laboratory. Forage and Hay Sampling, and Water Sampling through the LSU AgCenter Chemistry Department. Staff of the Webster Parish Extension Office work closely with local commodity groups such as the Webster Parish Cattlemen’s Association, and governmental organizations such as the Dorcheat Soil and Water Conservation Board, the USDA, NRCS, USDA Farms Services Agency and the Webster Farm Bureau.

Whom we reach

• 383 4-H members at (15 school 4-H Clubs)
• Approximately 3,000 individuals through Nutrition and Community Health & Ag and Natural Resources programs

How we reach them

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

Expanding our efforts

150 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Master Horseman, family and community

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Webster Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Agriculture numbers as of 2024: Total Plant enterprises:

$33,949,788, Fisheries and Wildlife: $3,521,601, Animal enterprises (livestock): $46,148,437, Total of ALL agriculture enterprises: $83,619,829. Webster Parish is 393,600 acres. Land area — 615 square miles; Population —35, 238; Population under 18 years old — 22.5%; Population 65 years old and over — 20.8%; Median household income — $37,396; Persons in poverty — 20.3%

Local Issues & Plans for this year.

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Insect identification and control; Weed identification and control
• Varieties of ornamental, vegetables, turf grasses, and fruit and nut production that thrive in Louisiana
• Types of irrigation
• Proper way to prune trees and plants
• Organic gardening
• Understanding soil samples and fertilization

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

• Environmental topic programs (water, conservation, composting) and presentations at parish events
• Promotion of environmental service-learning projects with 4-H clubs
• Increased viability and profitability of Webster Parish farms and ranches
• Conduct home and farm visits

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Opportunities for all youth and adult volunteers are provided throughout the year, including summer and specialty camps, contests, scholarships, and community service. As determined by the parish 4-H Advisory, 4-H Club lessons reflected on the needs of the youth of Webster Parish

Strengthen families and communities

• Businesses received support and specialized programming from the AgCenter nutrition agent
• SNAP-Ed audiences had access to educational lessons and materials on topics such as nutrition and wellness, diet and health, food purchasing, food dollar management, food safety, and gardening
• Flavors of Health participants received information and nutrition classes focused on cooking skills, grocery shopping strategies, setting small goals, developing healthy habits, exercise and physical activity guidance, weight management, and diet-related disease prevention

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.

Each Parish Offers Programming In:

• Nutrition and Community Health
• 4-H and Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources