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 soybean core block variety on-farm demonstration was planted on the Campbell farm and a cotton core block variety on-farm demonstration was planted on Kody Beavers farm. These on-farm demonstrations give producers the opportunity to evaluate varieties grown under local environments.

A presentation was given to the Rayville Kiwanis Club on agricultural production.

A Worker Protection Standard (WPS) handler training was offered to producers in Caldwell and Ouachita Parish.

Field Corn is progressing to maturity and harvest will begin in mid to late August. Cotton and Soybeans were planted in an extended planting season due to persistent rains. All crops have good yield potential.

Over one hundred phone calls, home and farm visits were conducted answering questions related to vegetable gardening, ornamentals, fruit trees, row crops and livestock.

Bagworms have been the recent homeowner phone call. These worms feed on cedar, junipers, and Leyland cypress. The worms make the characteristic bag they carry with them as they feed and later attach the bag which hangs from the branches. Bagworms can defoliate trees and shrubs.

4-H Youth and Family Development – Kelly Lafferty

4-H Volunteer of the Year Award Winner for the Southeast Region. Jessica Parker was named the winner of the 2021 4-H volunteer of the year award for the southeast region. Mrs. Parker has been the 4-H club leader for Franklin Parish High School for three years. She served as the assistant co-leader for two years previously. Ms. Parker was the winner of the Louisiana Volunteer Association Youth and Adult Partnership in 2020. She was in competition with over 20 applicants from southern states. Mrs. Parker does a great job working with her club members and has been able to form a strong bond with each of the members. Her club provides several community service projects throughout the year. Their main service project is in December, is visiting the nursing homes, singing carols and passing out Christmas cards to the residents.

Madison Hill is the 2021 recipient of the Scott Scholarship. Madison has been in the 4-H program since the 4th grade. She was a 4-H member at Fort Necessity from 4th-8th grade and then was a member at FPHS. Madison has held several officer positions throughout her years but her most notable accomplishments in 4-H has been with the shooting sports program. Madison has been able to attend the National BB gun competitions twice and was able to attend the National Shooting Sports competition to Nebraska in 2018. She has earned many medals during her shooting sports career. She will be attending ULM in pre-nursing this fall.