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

A presentation was given to the Lions Club on “Risk Assessment” in our daily lives.

A Fall Horticulture Forum was held at the Scott Research and Extension Center where participants learned about preservation of garden seed, using structures to support plants in the garden, and caring for garden tools. Participants played a garden pest bingo game. The program ended with a tour of the blackberry demonstration.

A small office fall vegetable garden was planted for the 4-H special interest (SPIN) club. The participants learned about vegetables and herbs that are planted in the fall versus spring/summer
vegetables. The students got to use their senses of touch, smell, and taste with the herbs. Even though the garden was small we produced some nice broccoli and cabbage.

4-H Youth and Family Development

Kelly Lafferty

Neal West is the 2020 winner of the Louisiana Volunteer Association’s 4-H Spirit Award. Mr. West has worked with the 4-H shootingsports program for the past 15 years. He is a Level II instructor for rifle and serves as an instructor for people obtaining the Level I certification. Mr. West serves as a range officer for regional and state shooting sport events. Neal serves as the coach for all the shooting disciplines but especially works with the BB gun participants and their parents. He has served as a cookery judge for the past 7 years. For 5 years, he served on the advisory council board. He is currently serving on the 4-H Foundation Board.

Jessica Parker is the 2020 winner of the Louisiana Volunteer Association’s 4-H Youth and Adult Partnership Award. Mrs. Parker has been working with the Franklin Parish High School 4-H club for the past 5 years. She has worked with the youth to participate in going to the nursing homes in the parish and provide Christmas caroling and visits to all the residents. This service-learning project coincides with the 4-H parish Christmas card contest. All the cards are given to the high school group so they can bring the cards to the nursing homes. They have done this for the past 4 years and it has been enjoyed by all—youth and residents alike.

Kelly Lafferty, 4-H Agent, is the recipient of the 2020 Louisiana Volunteer Association’s Agent of the Year Award. Ms. Lafferty has been the 4-H agent in Franklin parish for the past 7 years. She enjoys her time working with the youth and adult volunteers of her parish. She provides trainings and support wherever and whenever possible. She also loves to highlight her volunteers and has had four 4-H leaders win awards through the Louisiana Volunteer Association. To quote Mrs. Diane Walters, “Ms. Kelly helps to keep motivated also. She goes above and beyond her duties, always. Fun happy lady to be around. I could not have a better 4-H agent to work with than Ms. Kelly Lafferty.”

Early this fall, a 4-H gardening special interest (SPIN) club was started. The youth were learning about herb gardening and their uses. We also planted a small garden area at the 4-H office. We planted broccoli and cabbage plants. Recently, the youth planted some turnip greens. The youth had a wonderful speaker, Mr. Tim Talbot come and teach them all about how to dry herbs and how to use them. The youth were able to take home some herbs to use over the holidays. Ms. Carol Pinnell-Alison is shown giving the youth some clippings of herbs.