About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information, and education to improve people’s lives. Working in a unique 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

Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)

Carol Pinnell-Alison

Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification meetings are held between January and March every year for applicators whose cards expire the end of March. Applicator cards are valid for three years and can be renewed by attending a recertification meeting before the card’s expiration date. If an applicator lets a card expire or if a new applicator, testing is required for certification. Presentations were given at the Caldwell, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, and West Carroll parish recertification meetings with 277 pesticide applicators renewing their card.

Two Worker Protection Standard (WPS) handler trainings were held in Franklin Parish with 60 agricultural employees attending. All employees who work on an agricultural establishment that produces an agricultural plant are required to attend annual training.

A presentation was given during the Spring Horticulture Forum at the Scott Center on March 4 on weed, insect and disease identification.

Youth Agricultural Awareness programs were presented at Ag Alley in West Monroe and Ag Adventures in Delhi. About 2500 youth in the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th grades were given hands-on experiences related to various agricultural commodities grown in northeast Louisiana. This year corn, rice, honeybees, sweet potatoes, and the mini farm were highlighted.

In 2019, Franklin Parish producers harvested 20,511 acres of cotton with an average irrigated yield of 1221 pounds of lint per acre and a non-irrigated yield of 733 pounds, 97,547 acres of corn were harvested with an irrigated yield of 198 bushels per acre and a non-irrigated yield of 133 bushels, 22,038 acres of soybeans were harvested with an irrigated yield of 62 bushels per acre and a non-irrigated yield of 37 bushels. We were hot and dry mid to late summer which is reflected in the difference in irrigated and non-irrigated yields.

4-H Youth and Family Development

Kelly Lafferty

2020 Area Cookery Contest

Franklin parish recently had 4 4-H members attend the cookery contest for the region. John McBroom (FA) placed 3rd in the ground beef category. Everyone else either placed a blue or red ribbon in their categories. Johnathan Donnell, (Crowville) entered in the chicken and rice main categories. Leighann Jinks, (Crowville) entered the sweet potato and healthy hamburger categories and Sara McCarthy, (FCCS) entered the egg category. Great job by everyone.

Northeast Louisiana District Livestock Show

Our district livestock show was held on January 30-31, 2020 at the Delhi fairgrounds. Franklin parish had 13 4-H members that participated at the show. We had 4 first time exhibitors: Sara Ezell, Leighann Jinks, Troy Middleton and Ty Woodruff. The results were: Katelynn Faulk: Res. Champ. Grey Brahman Male & Res. Champ. LA Bred Grey Brahman Male. Tucker Grayson won Champ. LA Bred Simmental Female. Isabella Jones won Champ. Standard Cock. John Hayden Lee won Dairy Junior showmanship. Jessi Monnin won District Horse Show 14 & Over Res High Point Champ, Res. Champ. Hampshire Market Lamb, Champion Hampshire Lamb, Supreme Champion Ewe, Res Champ AOB Brahman Influence Female. Riley Remore won Res Champ Hereford/Polled Hereford Female, Res. Champ LA Bred Hereford/Polled Herford Female, Res. Champ Beefmaster Female, Res. Champ. LA Bred Beefmaster Female and Champ. Non-Brahman Influence Commercial Heifer. Other exhibitors were Adam Wood, Avari LeBourgeois and Maddi Taylor. Seniors Adam Wood, Maddi Taylor and Jessi Monnin each won a $1000 scholarship.

The Northern Shooting Sports Match was held the week of March 3-7, 2020 in Shreveport. Madison Hill placed 1^st and Sam Parker placed 3^rd in 22 rifle and will advance to the state match. Gaven Blossom, Kinley Evans and Mallorie Guillot will advance to the state match in air rifle. Galen and Sarah Miller, Joshua Reeves and Dakota Parker advance to state in archery. CJ Neal, Matthew Kramer, Joshua Matthews advance to state in air pistol. Paul Kramer advances to state in 1 and 2 handed air pistol. The BB team consisting of Kinley Evans, Joshua Matthews, John McBroom, Michael Crawford, Serenyti Scott, Riley Lashley and Samantha Shelton are going to advance to the state match. Paul Kramer is also going for BB gun but in individual champion at state.