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.
Nutrition and gardening classes reaching 291 Pre-K and kindergarteners are being conducted at Bains Lower Elementary. Nutrition programs including Dining with Diabetes, Break Up with Salt, and Stay Independent are being offered. Youth receive nutrition programming through the 4-H Mission Nutrition Cooking Club, workshops, and summer camps. AgCenter mini grant funding provided for a health expansion of the West Feliciana Parish Library of Things.
4-H has had many successful programs. 221 4-H 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 Art History and Robotics Lesson Studies this year. To provide additional experiences, 4-H’ers can join the following project clubs Sewing Club, Shooting Sports, Junior Leaders, Horse Club, Livestock Club, Rabbit Club, and Cooking Club.
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.
1,240 youth (includes 225 4-H members from six 4-H Clubs and At Large Membership, 674 youth participating in the 4-H Mini Farm, 291 Pre-K and kindergarteners at Bains Lower Elementary participating in nutrition & school gardens, 50 youth participating in nutrition programs at summer camps, and 1,500 adults (Agriculture and Natural Resources and Nutrition and Community Health).
4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, summer camps, project clubs, class series, website, social media, and workshops.
175 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, and Nutrition and Community Health.
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, $17,862,490; fisheries and wildlife, $3,529,134; plant enterprises, $12,397,995.
Land area — 403.21 square miles; Population —15,310; Population under 18 years old — 15.9%; Population 65 years old and over — 15.8%; Median household income — $59,688; Persons below poverty — 21.9%
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.