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

Family and Consumer Sciences

FCS Programs

Family, Nutrition, Health

Obesity is a top concern in Louisiana and childhood obesity has been steadily trending upwards. Unmanaged obesity can lead to long-term effects and other chronic disease - diabetes and heart disease. Programs are offered to increase physical activity and food-nutrition knowledge among all ages. Red River Elementary requested programming during their winter intercession. The MyPlate Nutrition Hero and Let’s Eat for the Health of It: Youth lessons were utilized. Kids received an introduction to the different food groups, smart snacking, and the importance of physical activity. The Germ Cave made an appearance to stress the importance of proper handwashing. Healthy Communities is a program with a goal to increase education and access to healthy food, and safe way to participate in physical activity. Triple R HYPE (Healthy Young People Empowerment) was created. This youth coalition plans to improve the physical activity of Red River Parish through playground stencils and community cleanups.

4-H Youth Development

Red River Parish has 216 4-H club members and 30 volunteers enrolled in ten of the 4-H clubs in the parish. There are five project clubs in the parish: Junior Leader Club, 4-H Outdoor Skills, 4-H Livestock, 4-H Chefs, and 4-H Explorers.

Events

• Camps (Summer Camp, Culinary Camp, Marsh Maneuvers, Fashion Camp, Junior Leader Conference, Challenge Camp, Shooting Sports Camp and many more)
• Workshops (Culinary, STEM, Crafts, etc.)
• 4-H University (LSU University)
• National 4-H Week and Parish Fair
• Summer Reading Program at Parish Library
• Achievement Day
• Contests (pet show, Cooking Contest, Christmas Cookies, Pet Art, Beef poster, Dairy Poster, Pumpkin Decorating, Pumpkin Growing, etc)
• Regional/State Junior Leader events
• Regional/State Leadership events
• Regional/State Shooting Sports and Livestock events
• AgMagic (State Fair of Louisiana)

Services

• Christmas Parade Float
• Nursing Home (Goodie Bags, Plants, Adopted Residents, etc)
• Donations for Hurricane Victims
• Council on Aging (Valentine Treat Bags)
• Foster Children (GEAUX bags, valentine treat bags
• Farmer’s Market in Natchitoches
• Teach Survival Kits
• Donated Items for Red River Industries
• Plant flowers with the special education classes at elementary school
• Made cards for Operation Gratitude (Veterans, Active Duty, First Responders)
• Easter egg hunt/goodie bags at elementary school
• HYPE group pained playground stencils on the sidewalks at the elementary school

School Enrichment

School Garden, Embryology, Intercession Classes to introduce 4-H, Sewing, Gardening, Nutrition, Theatre Arts, and Wetlands

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Red River Parish is located in northwest Louisiana and consists of 388.6 square miles. Established March 2, 1871, the parish was named for the Red River which flows through the entire length of the parish. Coushatta is the parish seat and was named for an Indian tribe which once inhabited the area. Agriculture plays a major role in the livelihood of Red River Parish residents. The parish is very diverse agriculturally, with the livestock and plant industries valuing over $33 million. In addition to large-scale producers, home gardens are common throughout the parish, with homeowners tending to fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

Extension Office

Red River Parish

2015 Red Oak Road
P.O. Box 1365
Coushatta, LA 71019
Phone: 318-932-4342
Phone: 318-932-4242

Email:

Redriver@agcenter.lsu.edu
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Website: LSUAgCLSUAgCenter.com/RedRiver

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/Red-River-Parish-4-H-194717887221703

Parish Chair:

Associate Extension Agent
Agricultural
Randell Mallette
rmallette@agcenter.lsu.edu

Assistant Extension Agent:

4-H Youth Development
Jacque Fontenot
jfontenot@agcenter.lsu.edu

Assistant Extension Agent:

SNAP Ed/general
Kimberlyn N. Jones
knjones@agcenter.lsu.edu

Administrative Coordinator 3:

Jennifer C. Moseley
jcmoseley@agcenter.lsu.edu

Programs

4-H and Youth Development

Agriculture and Natural Resources

• Fisheries/Coastal Issues
• Animal Production
• Beef Cattle
• Environment/Watersheds
• Horticulture/Lawn and Garden
• Pest Management
• Urban Forestry
• Sugarcane
  

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS)

• Parents Preparing for Success
• Family Resource Management
• FNP-Family Nutrition Program
• Nutrition and Health

Whom We Reach

• 216 youth (includes 216 4-H members, 10 in School 4-H Clubs, 2 Homeschool clubs, 5 Project Clubs)
• 500 agriculture and natural resources and family consumer sciences

How We Reach Them:

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

150 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community and Master Horseman.

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Red River Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $12,054,050; aquaculture and wildlife, $780,449; plant enterprises, $20,392,863.

Land area — 402 square miles; Population 9,091: Population under 18 years old — 23.4%; Population 65 years old and over — 19.7%; Median household income — $33,817; Persons below poverty — 23.7%

Local Issues and Plans for this Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct beef cattle and crop workshops, along with other related topics
• Write news column, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits

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

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Junior Leaders (HYPE) will work with parish and city leaders to make improvements to the parish and city, character education projects
• Grow school gardens in our local schools

Strengthen families and communities

• Expanding ongoing Healthy Communities Projects through Triple R Healthy Young People Empowerment Coalition
• Provide programming to prevent, reduce, or manage various diet-related diseases

Extension Funding
FY 2021-2022

How we are funded:

You are the local supporters and beneficiaries of the LSU AgCenter extension programs. Your support keeps these programs in your communities.

Your parish extension office offers programs in:

• Sustaining Louisiana agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
• Building leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development
• Family, nutrition and health to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana’s citizens

LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds for FY 2021-2022:

• State General Direct: 77.25%
• Federal Funds: 12.57%
• Self-Generated: 6.58%
• Statutory Dedications: 3.6%

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