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 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 Youth Development

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.

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:

1,240 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).

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, $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%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct fruit and vegetable producer’s field day.
• Conduct home horticulture seminars.
• Coordinate Master Gardener programs such as the Spring Garden Tour, field trips, school gardens, and other horticulture education and service projects.
• Offer Private Pesticide Applicator Re-Certification Trainings for producers and homeowners.
• Offer multi-parish livestock/forage field day and local pasture walks for producers.
• Conduct Louisiana Master Farmer Program classroom training for livestock and crop producers.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.

• Junior Leaders will actively participate in service-learning projects, mentoring youth at workshops and doing more to become an active part of the community.
• Sewing Club will teach youth the skill of sewing garments. 4-H’ers will participate in service-learning projects and will also participate in the annual Fashion Show.
• Shooting Sports participants will acquire knowledge about firearm safety and develop life skills to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.
• Horse, Livestock, and Rabbit Project Clubs will help youth develop a sense of belonging, responsibility, independence, and mastery.
• Our Cooking Club will give youth the opportunity to continue their journey to healthy living while meeting the National 4-H Healthy Living Mandate.

Strengthen families and communities.

• Youth at Bains Lower Elementary will grow and maintain 10 raised beds. They will harvest and taste their produce while learning where their food comes from.
• In-person and virtual nutrition series will be offered to help adults use the dietary guidelines to make smart choices, meal plan, use the nutrition facts label, find a balance between food and physical activity, get the most nutrition out of calories, and stay within daily caloric needs.
• Nutrition programs will be conducted for youth attending West Feliciana Parks & Recreation Summer Camp.
• Classes on how to eat a healthy diet and how to become more physically active will be delivered for both youth and adults.

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
• Nutrition and Community Health