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

4-H Youth Development

The 2024-2025 school lesson focus for grades 4th-12th is “Ag in a Bag”. Youth will gain knowledge on Louisiana commodities, careers in agricultural sectors, and engage in hands-on learning opportunities to reinforce the importance of agriculture within the state of Louisiana. Youth are given the opportunity to participate in various camps and workshops that teach them life and leadership skills while creating a sense of belonging to their community. Some of our most popular camps are 4-H Summer Camp, 4-H University, Challenge Camp, LOST Camp, Shooting Sports Camp, and Marsh Maneuvers. The 4-H program also offers project clubs such as animal sciences, shooting sports, and junior leadership.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

As a rural parish just adjacent to a major metropolis, and although known primarily for the substantial development in the petrochemical industry, West Baton Rouge does still have a rich agricultural history. There are 23,744 acres in agronomic row crop production with approximately 150 producers. There are also approximately 40 cattlemen raising about 1,500 head of cattle in West Baton Rouge. Producers here rely on the annual Farm Forum with presentations from specialists and researchers who provide the most current research-based information available. Due to this specialized training, farmers have been able to reduce input costs while having a smaller impact on the environment making them better stewards of the land.

Nutrition Program

There are an abundance of barriers Louisiana residents face that prevent living healthy lives, and offering resources for these challenges to West Baton Rouge residents remains our priority. To address these concerns, a comprehensive nutrition education and physical activity program is provided. The objectives of these nutrition programs are to have adults and youth increase their knowledge of budget-friendly healthful food choices, benefits of increased physical activity, and promote healthy lifestyle habits.

Whom We Reach:

• 985 youth (includes 295 4-H members and 4-H Clubs amongst 7 schools and 690 through Nutrition and Community Health programs)
• 1,155 adults (975 through agriculture and natural resources and 180 through Nutrition and Community Health programs)

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

120 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to West Baton Rouge Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $3,221,456; aquaculture and wildlife, $1,565,298; plant enterprises, $40,871,098.

Land area — 1,254.92 square miles; Population —28,034; Population under 18 years old — 24.7%; Population 65 years old and over — 15.0%; Median household income — $80,510; Persons below poverty — 12.1%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Make home and farm visits to provide educational information to solve problems
• Write news columns, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices.
• Certify Private Pesticide Applicators and Worker Protection Standards (WPS) through Farm Forum and Sugarcane Production Meeting
• Conduct prescribed burn management certifications
• Master Gardener educational seminars and demonstrations

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

• Promote Best Management Practices (BMP) for gardens, lawns, landscapes, and fruit/vegetable trees
• Conduct school and community garden programs to educate both youth and adults about healthy lifestyles
• Continue to foster the Westside Master Gardener Program
• Native plant educational sessions introducing plants that encourage drought and flood tolerant landscapes

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Implement service-learning projects throughout the parish.
• Junior Leaders invest in character education while promoting youth development activities.
• Develop life skills through educational programs conducted in school club meetings, service-learning projects, workshops, and after school activities

Strengthen families and community

• Family Nutrition Program clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget.
• Conduct workshops for community members on ways to prevent the onset of health-related diseases.
• Host classes on beneficial eating and exercise habits

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:

• 4-H and Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Family and Consumer Sciences

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