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

The Franklin Parish On-farm grower corn hybrid core block demonstration was harvested with eleven hybrids in the demonstration. The hybrids yielded between 249 and 227 bushels per acre. These on-farm demonstrations give producers an opportunity to see how corn hybrids will perform in our growing conditions. Crop yields for corn and soybeans have been very good this year. It is unusual for our producers to have good yields and good commodity prices in the same year.

Preliminary FSA certified planted crop acres in Franklin Parish shows corn acres at 92,732 which is down slightly from the 93,321 acres last year. Soybean acres increased to 64,495 from 50,045 and cotton acres decreased to 7,659 from 10,519. There is a renewed interest in catfish with the number of acres in production increasing.

Lessons on entomology and pesticide safety were given to members of a Master Gardener class.

4-H Youth and Family Development - Kelly Lafferty

4-H Camp Clover was held this July at the 4-H office. The camp was designed for third through fifth grade youth. The youth didn’t have to be in 4-H to come to the camp, which gave them a chance to learn about the 4-H program. This was an opportunity for youth to learn about insects, physical activity, and theater arts. The youth were able to learn all about insects from the life cycle to how insects eat. They learned why some insects are good and why some are not so good for the environment. The youth participated in a lot of different physical activities as well. They worked on their balance, stamina, and agility. They were tested to see how far they could jump, or how quickly they could walk to a set distance. To start each activity the youth participated in yoga each day. After the activity, the youth had a healthy snack. The youth then put on their creative caps and had the chance to create a sock puppet. They worked in teams to create their puppet shows. At the end of our week, parents and siblings were able to enjoy all the shows.

Family and Consumer Science (FCS) – Quincy Vidrine

The LSU AgCenter Franklin Parish Area Nutrition Agent, Quincy L. Vidrine conducted a series of nutrition & healthy behavior classes for the Delta Healthcare Association’s special needs clients from March to August via online virtual portals. The clientele and their caregivers participated in the “Let’s Eat for the Health of It” adult curriculum. More of the virtual classes will be offered in fall 2021. Please contact the Franklin Parish Extension office for more information.

On Tuesday, September 21 Play Streets “Train the Trainer” event took place in Franklin Parish at the Macon Ridge Research Station in Winnsboro. Elected officials, community leaders/volunteers, and public-school representatives from the Northeast Region came together to learn how to implement the LSU AgCenter’s Play Streets events in their respective communities. Play Streets is an interactive event for youth and adults to engage in physical activity in a safe place. Play Streets is also about getting residents of the community together for better cohesion throughout the community. The LSU AgCenter provided training and guidance on how to set-up, fund, market and evaluate needs for the Play Streets event. Franklin Parish Area Nutrition Agent and FCS Regional Coordinator, Quincy L. Vidrine led the planning committee for this training event.

Franklin Parish Nutrition Team Expands:

Kristten Medlin joins us as the new SNAP Ed Nutrition Educator. She will be covering Franklin and Caldwell Parishes. Kristten's duties include direct education for adult and youth audiences who are SNAP and/or WIC eligible.