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.
Our FCS programs provide youth and adult nutrition education and community outreach to Webster Parish. The two main nutrition programs offered include the SNAP- Ed program and the Flavors of Health program. The SNAP- Ed program provides nutrition lessons and information to SNAP recipients free of charge. The Flavors of Health program focuses on general nutrition and health programs with a community focus that provides classes and workshops on a variety of topics that empower individuals and families to make healthy food and fitness choices.
4-H Youth Webster Parish through experimental learning opportunities and role modeling of peers. The 2022-2023 club focus centered on STEM for fourth through six grades as it relates to agriculture, the environment, and career exploration and leadership for eighth through twelfth grades. Project clubs meet the needs of youth wishing to expand their work in specific areas, including shooting sports, livestock, and Jr. Leaders. 4-H youth are engaged in livestock programming, including beef, lamb, swine, goats, poultry, dairy, rabbits, and horses.
The Webster Parish Extension office provides citizens with a variety of services in Agriculture and Natural Resources. These include 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 USDA, NRCS, USDA Farm Service Agency, and the Webster Parish Farm Bureau Federation to increase knowledge and assist area stakeholders through a wide variety of educational opportunities.
333 4-H members at (15 school 4-H Clubs) approximately 3,000 individuals through Family and Consumer Sciences & Ag and Natural Resources programs.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, and workshops.
150 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Master Horseman, family, and consumer sciences.
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 2020: Total Plant enterprises: $29,907,444, Fisheries and Wildlife: $3,511,897, Animal enterprises (livestock): $39,187,397,Total of ALL agriculture enterprises: $72,606,738.
Webster Parish is 393,000 acres.
Land area — 593.03 square miles; Population —35, 643 ; Population under 18 years old — 22.5%; Population 65 years old and over — 20.7%; Median household income — $31,197; Persons in poverty — 24.0%.
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.