Search
This year the Bayou Area Horse Show will be at the new Lafourche Parish Arena 115 Texas Street Raceland, LA 70394. This year there will be a variety of classes for Ranch, Western, Hunter, and Timed events. The Southeast District Horse Show will be held at the Florida Parishes Arena June 24-25, 2025.
State 4-H Leadership Boards and Ambassadorship opportunities are available for current active 4-H members in grades 8-11. The following opportunities are available to serve as leaders in their respective fields of interest: Equine Ambassador, Livestock Ambassador, Wetland Ambassador, Shooting Sports Ambassador, Citizenship Board, Executive Board (state officer), Fashion Board, Food and Fitness Board, and STEM Board. Each parish can nominate up to three people per board/ambassadorship. If you are interested in applying, please contact Mrs. Suzanne at stroxclair@agcenter.lsu.edu or Miss Abbie at ahalley@agcenter.lsu.edu to initiate your application. All applications must be submitted by applicants by 11:30 P.M. May 1, 2025. No late applications will be accepted. We have some amazing 4-H members who can do an excellent job leading in these fields! Consider applying today! Please see your 4HOnline emails for more information.
Lafourche 4-H will be conducting a silent auction for adults to enjoy during Achievement Day. We are currently seeking donated items for this important event. Please call the 4-H Office at 985-446-1316 if you are able to donate an item. Thank you in advance for your generosity. All funds collected will be used to directly support the many programming opportunities in the Lafourche Parish 4-H.
Ready for an egg hunt in your yard? Let Lafourche Parish 4-H work with the Easter Bunny to make that happen! We’ll make sure the Easter Bunny hides the candy-stuffed eggs in your yard so the family can enjoy the hunt! The cost is as follows: 25 eggs-$15; 45 eggs-$25; 100 eggs-$50; or 150 eggs-$70. Funds collected will be used to support the Lafourche 4-H Youth Development Program and activities. Call the 4-H Office by April 14th at 985-446-1316 or email us at vsmith@agcenter.lsu.edu to schedule!
Achievement Day would not be possible without the support of our amazing volunteers! Volunteers are needed to assist with contests at Achievement Day. Please call the office at 986-446-1316 if you are able to assist.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 14th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Agriculture Building in Raceland. Junior Leaders are asked to bring a new or like new child’s story book for CASA donations.
Achievement Day will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Central Lafourche High School. This year’s theme will be “Beyond Ready.” The morning program for Achievement Day will begin at 8:30 a.m. Please remind all 4-H’ers to bring pencils to Achievement Day since there will be none available for taking tests. After the morning program, members can participate in various contests such as demonstrations, insect identification, plant science, horticulture crop judging, good grooming (personal development), public speaking, and various tests from project book completion. Make sure to sign up with your leader if you want to participate in Achievement Day contests. The afternoon ceremony includes a fashion show and a talent show for your entertainment. After the conclusion of the talent show, our parish awards program begins. Awards that are presented are Top Junior Leaders and Awards of Excellence. School awards will be presented, and they include Activity Awards, School Display, and Achievement Day Awards. Please try to attend and cheer on your school club. Do not forget to wear your 4-H shirt if you have one. While students compete, there will be a silent auction for adults to participate. Donations are now being accepted for items for the auction. Proceeds will be used to support the Lafourche Parish 4-H Youth Development Program through the Lafourche 4-H Foundation.
Record keeping is an important part of every 4-H educational project. Records show what you have done and learned during your 4-H club work. The 4-H Portfolio form is designed to help you keep your records and other supporting materials in an orderly manner. The portfolios that are completed and turned into the 4-H Office will be judged, and recognition/awards will be given for these books at Achievement Day. The portfolios for grades 4-12 that are turned into the 4-H Office will be judged. The members in each division with the Top 10 portfolios will be recognized with Awards of Excellence at Achievement Day. The top 10 portfolios will be submitted to the State contest in July. You should be keeping this record from year to year and adding to it. You may include up to three years of 4-H work in your portfolio. Many awards, educational trips, and college scholarships are given to club members on the basis of their portfolios. Portfolios are due to the 4-H Office before April 14th. Portfolios will be picked up at the April club meetings if your scheduled club meeting is held before April 14th. If your April meeting is scheduled for after April 14th, your school’s portfolios will be picked up the week of April 14th. Portfolios can also be dropped off at the 4-H Office Monday-Friday between 8 AM and 4:30 PM before April 14th. The instructions for completing your portfolio are on the lsuagcenter.com website and have been sent through 4HOnline via email. The 4-H Member Record Book template was updated last year and posted to the LSU AgCenter website at the following link: 4-H Portfolio (lsuagcenter.com) All entries for the State Record Book Contest must use this revised publication, so please follow the updated guidelines for our parish contest. Please feel free to call the 4-H office with any questions.
4th graders who have completed their Discovering the World of 4-H and 5th graders who have completed Exploring the World of 4-H who turn these project books in at their assigned club meetings (April club meetings if your meeting is held prior to April 14th.If after April 14th, they will be picked up the week of April 14th to qualify to take the tests at Achievement Day. 6th-12th graders that have completed and turned in their project booklets will earn certificates and points for their clubs for completing their projects. No project book tests will be given for 6th – 12th graders. These are separate from Portfolios and cannot be included in the portfolios. ALL 4-Hers can participate in the identification contests and demonstrations at Achievement Day.
This contest is for teams of two or three members in the Middle and Senior High Divisions (both divisions will compete together).Contestants will present 5–7-minute presentation using PowerPoint format or audio visuals of choice on the topic of safe driving. Safe Driving topics include but are not limited to distracted driving (texting), drinking; reckless; sleepy; road rage. The emphasis will be on young drivers influencing other young drivers. Cash prizes will be awarded—$300.00 will be presented to the 1st place team, $200.00 to the 2nd place team and $100.00 to the 3rd place team! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!
These items will be picked up with portfolios at your April club meeting if your club meeting is before April 14th. For schools with scheduled club meetings after April 14th, these items will be picked up the week of April 14th. Items can also be brought to the 4-H office before April 14th.The items will be displayed at Achievement Day on April 26th at Central Lafourche High School. Items are to be picked up by attendees or leaders at the conclusion of Achievement Day. More detailed information can be found on our website at www.lsuagcenter.com. Click on Parish Offices, Lafourche, and 4-H. Feel free to call the office at 985-446-1316 with any questions.
Submit a fresh mounted collection of leaves of Louisiana Trees according to the following specifications:
All Elementary, Middle, and Senior High clothing contestants will model their garments to be judged for appearance and construction in the morning at Achievement Day and may participate in the Fashion Review in the afternoon.
We are conducting a club skit contest during the afternoon ceremony. The theme for Achievement Day will be “Beyond Ready”, so we would like you to incorporate this theme into your skit. A party will be given to the winning club at their May meeting!!If your club would like to participate, please call the 4-H Office by April 14th so we can put you on the schedule. 4-H’ers that would like the opportunity to perform at Achievement Day should send in a DVD/CD of your performance to your 4-H club leader. These will be viewed by the judges, and the top acts will be selected to perform at Achievement Day. There is no limit on the amount of acts a club can submit, but the acts cannot exceed 10 minutes. These are due to the 4-H Office by April 14th.
All demonstrations have a maximum time limit of 15 minutes. Note: All demonstrations can be individual or team demonstrations. A limited number of demonstrations will be allowed per club. Make sure your leader knows you want to participate. The following is a description of each demonstration contest:
Agriculture Demonstration - on any agricultural practice or practice relating to agriculture which includes the following areas: livestock & crop production, conservation of natural resources, wildlife management, marine science, poultry science, agricultural engineering, forestry, & horticulture. Ex. How to Groom an Animal, How to Clean a Crab, How to Pot a Plant, etc. (Elementary & Middle)
Breads - Can be demonstrations, illustrated lectures, or presentations on breads. Ex. How to Make Pretzels, How to Make a Sandwich or How to Make Muffins (Elementary & Middle)
Dairy Foods - Can be demonstrations, illustrated lectures or presentations and must be related to Dairy Foods or Dairy Products. Ex. How to Make a Milkshake, How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or How to Make Pudding.(Elem. & Middle).
FCS Demonstration - Must be a method (how to) demonstration, not an illustrated lecture, on any home economics practice relating to Home Economics. Areas include clothing, family life, family resource management, health and safety, and housing and house furnishings. (Elementary & Middle)
General Demonstration - For Senior High members only. Can be demonstrations on Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science, Horticulture, or LA Agriculture Products.
Horticulture Demos. - Must be on the production, sale, or marketing of a horticultural product or use of fruit or vegetable grown in our area. Can be an artistic arrangement with fresh or dried plant materials or plants used in the landscape.(Middle School)
Louisiana Ag. Products Demonstration - A demonstration on Louisiana Agriculture products (should include Rice, Beef, Sugar, Seafood, etc.).No Horticulture products. (Elementary & Middle)
Tiger Tank Entrepreneurship Challenge – An opportunity for individuals or a team of two to create or propose a product or service-based business. They may have a business idea that they want to design and explore. Present a demonstration on your business idea.(Middle and Senior) Examples: making and selling dog treats, friendship bracelets, vinyl mugs, etc. Contact the 4-H Office for more details.
Civic Engagement/Leadership Illustrated Talk – This contest allows youth to present an illustrated talk on an area within citizenship, leadership, theater arts, communication, and personal development. Elementary Division (4-5) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Middle School Division (6-8) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Senior High Division (9-12) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint, (b) presents a 5-minute explanation of poster subject, or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge.
Civic Engagement/Leadership Method Demonstration – Youth will present a method demonstration in Citizenship. Topic areas can include citizenship, leadership, theater arts, communication, and personal development. The method demonstration should NOT include cooking/preparing food.
Consumer Decision Making – Contestants will judge six classes of consumer products or services. In addition, each participant will use the criteria outlined in the situation statement to give oral reasons for one of the classes. Classes may include financial products or services, repeat purchases, big-ticket items, or contractual services.
Consumer Foods Judging - The contest is open to all 4-H members in Elementary (4-5 grades), Middle (6-8 grades), and Senior (9-12 grades) Divisions. The contest consists of at least 4 separate classes. The objective of this contest is to teach 4-H members the importance of healthy food choices. At least 4 classes will be set up with 4 choices in each class. Middle and Senior Division 4-H members will be required to give reasons on one of the classes. Types of information to be found in each of the classes include:
4-H members should look for items low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and sodium. They should select items high in dietary fiber, low in calories and high in nutrition value.
Fish Identification Contest—Participants will identify saltwater and freshwater fish by their common names as listed in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. A word bank will be provided. Participants will also be asked to select if the fish is a freshwater or saltwater species. Information can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov (go to Fishing, Recreational Fishing and then Regulations Brochure—pictures are in the Regulations Brochure).
Good Grooming/Personal Development - For Elementary Division, two 4-H’ers from each grade (4th & 5th) may enter from each school. Boys and girls compete together and should come dressed for an afternoon party (church dress) to be interviewed by judges. For Middle School Division (6th—8th) any club member may compete.4-H’ers should be dressed appropriately. For Senior High (9th—12th), any member may participate. Boys and girls should come dressed for a job interview for which they are presently eligible. A resume of the job they are applying for is required. Check with your leader to sign up.
Healthy Living Illustrated Talk - Elementary Division (4-5) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Middle School Division (6-8) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Senior High Division (9-12) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 5-minute explanation of poster subject, or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge.
Horticulture Crop Judging - Any number of 4-H’ers per club can participate. The contest will consist of Judging Classes, Information (true and false test on horticultural topics) and Identification of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants.
Insect Identification & Study - Any number of 4-H’ers per club can participate. A test will consist of identifying as to common name insects of economic importance to the parish. Resources: Golden Nature Book or Insects.org
Public Speaking - Four 4-H'ers from each club may participate. Speech must be 3 to 5 minutes on any subject. Contestant may refer to notes; but cannot read the speech and must submit copy of speech to judge on Achievement Day.
Every time a 4-H club member participates in an activity or contest along with their ribbon or certificate they will earn a Lucky Clover ticket (these will be sent to them through their leaders).These tickets will be used to take a chance at some nice prizes. This drawing will take place at Achievement Day (look for the drawing box).4-H’ers must be present for the drawing at Achievement Day to be eligible to win.
Each year, 4-H members from across the state who are currently in grades 8th-12th grade, are eligible to participate in 4-H University to demonstrate their skills in more than 40 competitive events. It is the culmination of a 4-H member’s year of hard work and dedication. Events range from Agricultural Use Demonstration, Automotive Care, Fishing Sports, Public Speaking, Fashion Revue, and more! Through competing, youth demonstrate life skills in teamwork, decision making, problem solving, resiliency, and many more. Each competitive event allows youth an opportunity for personal growth, skill mastery, and other life skills vital to functioning members of society. The official dates for the 2025 Louisiana 4-H University are June 17-20, 2025, on the campus of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. This is an excellent opportunity for our teenage members to experience and preview the campus of our flagship university. Registration begins April 24th!Contact your 4-H Office today and see your 4-H University email if you would like to participate.
Do you have a friend or classmate who would like to attend but is not currently enrolled in 4-H? Let’s get them enrolled! Students currently in grades 8-12 who are not enrolled in 4-H can still participate if they enroll by May 15, 2025! Please have them contact the 4-H Office to assist at 985-446-1316. Don’t miss the experience that you will treasure for many years to come!
4-H Summer Camp will be held June 30- July 3, 2025, at Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock, LA. This year’s theme is Laissez les bons temps rouler A’ Camp Grant Walker! ALL Boys and girls attending will be selected by their school 4-H clubs. Alternates will be noted by leaders and contacted as spots become available. Camp packets with all information will be given to selected members by their school leaders. It is a great honor to be selected for this outstanding camp! Our parish will travel by bus to the camp. Bed deposits of $50 each are due to the 4-H Office by May 1, 2025. These deposits and camp fees are not refundable. Please mail or drop off to the 4-H Office at 115 Texas Street, Raceland, LA 70394. Checks can be made to Lafourche 4-H Foundation.
Several 4-H’ers from Lafourche Parish that won top awards in the parish cookeries participated in the Area Commodity Cookery Contest on March 26, 2025, in Napoleonville, LA. The results are:
Lafourche Parish 4-H’ers participated in the Regional Shooting Sports competition in Port Allen/Gonzales. Several of those 4-H’ers qualified for state competition in April. The following 4-H’ers placed at the regional competition: Madelyn Fossum, 7th Place National Recurve; Jacob Bouvier, 4th Place Archery Field Compound Open Srs., 4th Place Archery 3D Compound Open; Loralie Pellegrin, 8th Place Archery 3D Compound Open Srs.; Audrey Pellegrin, Qualified Archery 3D Compound Open Srs.; Connor Hitt, 7th Place Archery 3D Compound/Limited Pens Srs.; Connor Hitt, Morgan Rollins, Jolie Templet & Logan Curole, 3rd Place Archery 3D Compound Limited/Pins Sr. Teams; Bennett Price, Qualified Archery 3D Bare Bow/Genesis Jrs.; Emmitt Gibson, 4th Place Archery 3D Compound (9-11) Open Jrs.; Presley Thibodeaux, 8th Place Archery 3D Compound (9-11) Open Jrs.; Allen Pitre, 9th Place Archery 3D Compound (9-11) Open Jrs. and 1st Place Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Jr. Team; Sawyer Hartman, 3rd Place Archery 3D Compound (9-11) Limited/Pins Jrs.; Brylee Thibodeaux, 6th Place Archery 3D Compound (12-13) Open Jrs.; Elijah Griffin, 5th Place Archery 3D Compound (12-13) Limited/Pins Jrs.; Jolie Templet, 8th Place Southern BB Gun Individual, 1st Place Southern BB Gun Test and 7th Place Southern BB Gun Standing; John Robichaux, 8th Place Southern BB Gun Prone; Helen Robichaux, 10th Place Southern BB Gun Kneeling; Jolie Templet, John Robichaux, Helen Robichaux, Olivia Torres and Ryler Parkhill, 5th Place Southern BB Gun Team; Cohen Ledet, 2nd Place Sr. Shotgun & 2nd Place Team; Chandler Eschette, Teague Horton, Darryl Marlbrough, Tristan Pertuit, Qualified Sr. Shotgun & 2nd Place Team; Jacob Bouvier and Joel Orgeron, Qualified Sr. Shotgun; John Talbot, 7th Place Jr. Shotgun; Brian Bouzigard, Qualified Jr. Shotgun; Logan Benoit, 1st Place Overall Muzzle Loading Jrs., Bullseye, Bottles & Critters and Silhouette, 2nd Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jrs., 2nd Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jr. Team, 1st Place Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Jrs., 1st Place Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Jr. Team and Smallbore Rifle NRA Jrs. 50 yards; Hunter Poche, 2nd Place Overall Muzzle Loading Srs., Bullseye, Bottles & Critters and Silhouette; Joshua Hernandez, 5th Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jrs., 2nd Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jr. Team, 5th Place Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Jrs. and 1st Place Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Jr. Team; Brayden Kee, Qualified Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jrs. and 2nd Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jr. Team; Dylan Fontana, Qualified Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jrs. and 2nd Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Jr. Team; Adriana Ewing, 9th Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Sr.; Cagney Horton, 10th Place Smallbore Rifle CMP Scope Sr. and Clayton Falgout, 1st Place Smallbore Rifle Silhouette Jr. Team.
Congratulations to our Lafourche 4-H Robotics Team for placing 1st at the recent SeaPerch competition! The team has secured a bid to the International SeaPerch Challenge at the University of Maryland in late May. Team members are Brooklyn Abraham, MaCaylee Brown, Brayden Durocher, Aubrey Keehn and Gabrielle Keehn.
Disappointment is a normal emotion, and it’s typically thought of as a negative emotion. However, it doesn’t have to be. If we learn to handle it in a healthy way, it can even have a positive effect. Research shows that people who understand disappointment and can cope with hard feelings definitely perform better later in life.
For more information on any of the activities listed, please contact Suzanne Troxclair at stroxclair@agcenter.lsu.edu or Abbie Halley at ahalley@agcenter.lsu.edu or at 985-446-1316.
