West Feliciana 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 and gardening classes reaching 278 Pre-K and kindergarteners are being conducted at Bains Lower Elementary. Nutrition programs including Dining with Diabetes, Break Up with Salt, Stay Independent, and Small Changes, Healthy Habits are being offered. Youth receive nutrition programming through the 4-H Mission Nutrition Cooking Club and summer camps. AgCenter mini grant funding provided for monthly herb and spice samples along with factsheets at the parish library.

4-H Youth Development

4-H has had many successful programs. 236 members from six school clubs and one community club participated in a variety of projects and parish, regional and state activities. Four-H’ers participated in the lesson study LA Wildlife. To provide additional experiences, 4-H’ers can join the Sewing Club, Shooting Sports, Junior Leaders, Horse Club, Livestock Club, Rabbit Club, Horticulture Club, and Mission Nutrition Cooking Club.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

The parish has a unique agriculture base being home to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Agriculture enterprises include timber, cattle, hay, corn, soybeans, hunting leases, and fruit and vegetable production. There are currently 75 Master Gardener volunteers who provide research-based information to the public and have volunteered over 970 hours. Extension programs for livestock producers in the area include Master Cattleman, Louisiana Master Farmer, local pasture walks, and a fencing workshop.

Whom We Reach:

1,354 youth (includes 236 4-H members from six 4-H Clubs and At Large Membership, 800 youth participating in the 4-H Mini Farm, 278 Pre-K and kindergarteners at Bains Lower Elementary participating in nutrition & school gardens, 40 youth participating in nutrition programs at summer camps, and 1,500 adults (Agriculture and Natural Resources and Nutrition and Community Health).

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

175 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, and Nutrition and Community Health.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to West Feliciana Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $19,562,177; aquaculture and wildlife, $3,533,680; plant enterprises, $11,684,848.

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct fruit and vegetable producer’s field day and home horticulture seminars
• Coordinate Master Gardener programs
• Conduct livestock/forage producer field day or workshop
• Assist with soil sampling and forage testing to increase nutrient efficiency

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

• Work with forest landowners involved in the Feliciana Forestry Association
• Coordinate a forest landowner annual field day and industry tour
• Deliver educational programs on plants that attract wildlife
• Increase the safe use of pesticides through Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Trainings
• Provide Best Management Practices to livestock and forage producers to increase production and sustainability

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Junior leaders will engage in service-learning projects, mentor youth, and take additional steps to become active contributors in their community.
• The Sewing Club will provide youth with hands-on sewing instruction and incorporates service-learning activities each year.
• Shooting Sports participants will acquire firearm safety knowledge about and develop life skills to become self-directing and productive members of society.
• Horse, Livestock and Rabbit Clubs will help youth develop a sense of belonging, responsibility, independence, and mastery.

Strengthen families and communities.

• Students at Bains Lower Elementary will care for 10 raised garden beds, harvest and taste their produce while learning where food comes from.
• Offer nutrition series to help adults use dietary guidelines, meal plan, use nutrition fact labels, find a balance between food and physical activity, get the most nutrition out of calories, and to stay within daily caloric needs.
• Nutrition programs will be conducted for youth attending Summer Camp.

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
• Nutrition and Community Health