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.
Flavors of Health is a community nutrition and health education program in place to motivate and empower Louisianans to make healthy food and fitness choices to live a healthful life. The Flavors of Health Nutrition Agent provides expertise on a variety of topics that supports healthful eating patterns, including how to set realistic goals, make small changes in daily behaviors, transform healthy behaviors into healthy habits and select healthful foods.
Many nutrition workshops, events, and activities were held throughout the year at the West Carroll Parish Extension Office for both youth and adult clientele. Nutrition topics included Dining with Diabetes, Break Up With Salt, Stay Independent: A Healthy Aging series, Smart Portions (Weight Management Series), Baking Workshops for adult and youth, Walking Nutrition Education Sessions, and Outdoor Adventure Camp: Handwashing and Food Safety.
West Carroll youth can participate in ever growing project clubs like shooting sports, livestock, heathy living, and leadership. Parish schools also participate in enrichment opportunities where the 4-H Agent provides educational curriculum and experiences including embryology, financial literacy, and wetlands.
Agriculture in West Carroll parish is as diverse as the soil types found in the parish. Production practices, irrigation strategies, and crop varieties that might maximize production in heavy alluvial soils off the Macon ridge will not show the same results as the sandy loam soils of the Macon Ridge. To address these diverse conditions and challenges AgCenter county agents work crop variety trials both on and off the Macon Ridge.
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media and workshops
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, and workshops
LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant and animal enterprises to West Carroll Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $10,674,065; plant enterprises, $86,767,281
Land area — 361 square miles; Population —9,751; Population under 18 years old — 23.1%; Population 65 years old and over — 19.6%; Median household income — $45,035; Persons below poverty — 19.2%