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

• Hydroponic gardening was introduced to Winn Parish students in addition to traditional raised bed gardening techniques
• Students became familiar with Louisiana Commodities through the Harvest of the Month Programming
• Students participated in Farm to Table, cooking vegetables and eating produce from their garden in the lunchroom

4-H Youth Development

Schools and advisory groups in 2023-24 realized that academic performance alone does not measure their students' ability to succeed in adult life. The 4-H Youth Development Program was a natural avenue to present lessons on these life skills and reach hundreds of young people across the parish. Members were taught lessons in vehicle care, getting a job, consumer skills, budgeting, writing skills, and home maintenance. Members and adult leaders found the lessons to be fun and exciting. Life skills were demonstrated and practiced each month. Members also reported sharing what they learned with their families and friends because they were so excited about the experiences.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Winn Parish is situated in North Central Louisiana and is known as “The Forestry Capital”. The land area is approximately 623,040 acres with forestry and poultry being the two leading agronomic enterprises in the parish. The LSU AgCenter has a strong influence on environmental and natural resource management by the various programs the office conducts. Examples of the programs are Ag Awareness, A Walk in Nature, Forestry Awareness, and The Forestry Mill Tour that reach over 1000 individuals in the parish which focus on natural resource management.

Whom We Reach:

• 2100 youth per month (includes 1,100 4-H members and 18 school 4-H Clubs and 1,000 through Nutrition & Community Health)
• 1940 adults per month (1540 through agriculture and natural resources and 400 through Nutrition & Community Health)

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, camps, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media, Ag Awareness, A Walk in Nature, CRM ATV Safety, Forestry Awareness, and workshops

Expanding Our Efforts:

200 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community volunteer leaders.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, forestry, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Winn Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $1,995.973; forestry and wildlife, $62,205,891; plant enterprises, $15,981,101.

Land area —950.00 square miles; Population —13,755; Population under 18 years old — 20.3%; Population 65 years old and over — 19.7%; Median household income — $43,710; Persons below poverty — 26.8%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct Pasture/Forage Field Day
• Conduct Master Gardener Field Day
• Conduct Forest Landowners Field Day
• Write news columns, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm/home educational visits and develop demo plots

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

• Conduct tree care programs
• Conduct cost share program for landowners
• Implement tree planting/best management practices plan for landowners
• Implement a wildlife management program for landowners

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Junior Leaders will work with CASA, character education projects, work with the local food pantry, Operation Christmas Child on promoting youth development activities
• Square Foot School Gardens
• Beautification projects with Chamber of Commerce and Louisiana Political Museum
• Winn Parish 4-H collaborates with the Winn Parish Police Jury and Winn Parish Schoolboard on many youth development activities
• Winn Parish 4-H is involved in a multi-parish ATV Safety Program called CRM ATV Safety

Strengthen families and communities

• Work with elected officials to create a working plan for safer transportation
• Incorporate new garden techniques at the schools to expand what we are doing now
• Build stronger communities through community-led events to bring everyone together for health and well-being

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

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