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The LA 4-H Food Challenge competition challenges teams of 2-4 4-H members to create a dish using only a key ingredient and access to a “grocery store” of other ingredients. From the ingredients, team members are challenged to create a healthy dish while practicing proper food safety, food preparation, and communication skills. Following the dish preparation, teams then present to a panel of judges who will further test their culinary and nutrition knowledge with a question and answer segment. The Southern Regional Food Challenge takes place March 10th in Baton Rouge, LA at the 4-H Mini Farm (91 AgCenter Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70803). There are three divisions: Grades 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12. HURRY! Registration ends on February 6th! Call the 4-H Office today at 985-446-1316 to register for this fun event! No refunds.
The February Junior Leader meeting will be held at the Ag Building in Raceland on February 25th from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Members will discuss 4-H University and upcoming leadership opportunities for service learning. Members are asked to bring gardening hand tools to donate for the service project to support an upcoming service program. Tools may be new or gently used. Anyone approved 4-H member who is at least 13 years old is eligible to join the Junior Leader Club. New members are always welcome to attend meetings!
Do you like to tinker and enjoy problem-solving? The 1st LA Invention Convention is for you! The event will challenge you to ignite your spark through innovation and creative problem-solving. This event is open to all 4-H members and will take place February 27th at the LSU Mini Farm. Registration is open and ends February 11th! Call the 4-H Office today for more information and to register!
According to a recent study of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 950 million people in the world need eyeglasses, but can’t afford them or don’t have an accessible optician. In an effort to help those less fortunate, 4-H teams up with our local Lions Club to provide glasses to those in need by collecting used glasses that are then distributed to those who need them. Please turn in used eyeglasses, lenses, and frames to your school 4-H Club. Agents will pick up the donations at the February club meetings.
If you are interested in showing horses for 4-H, please call the 4-H Office to get on the mailing list to receive information about the Horse program. Please remember you need to have your horses in your possession by April 1, 2026, to be able to show this year.
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, leaves footprints, and a letter 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 March 30th at 985-446-1316 or email us at vsmith@agcenter.lsu.edu to schedule!
Achievement Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Thibodaux 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, 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 awards will be given for the top 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 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 will be picked up at the March club meetings. The instructions for completing your portfolio are on the lsuagcenter.com website and have been sent through 4HOnline via broadcast 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 March club meetings to qualify to take the tests at Achievement Day. 6th-12th graders that have completed and turned in their project booklets at the March club meetings 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. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!
These items will be picked up with portfolios at your MARCH club meeting or can be turned in to the 4-H Office, 115 Texas Street, Raceland, by March 13th. The items will be displayed at Achievement Day on April 25th at Thibodaux High School. Items MUST be picked up by attendees or leaders at the conclusion of Achievement Day. Items left will not be returned. 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 freshly 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. Any garment not entered in previous Achievement Day contests can be entered.
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 3rd 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 3rd.
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, LA Agriculture Products, or related topics.
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 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: *Healthy breakfast foods, *Proper beverage choices, and *Healthy cereal choices. 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 nutritional 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.
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.
Lafourche Parish 4-H program will conduct a 4-H Garden Contest again this year! This is easy and fun way to learn more about growing some of your own food! NEW THIS YEAR! Mr. Panky Christen, an approved 4-H volunteer and Master Gardener, is offering to do a home visit to assist you with garden site selection and to offer soil preparation assistance. If you are interested, parents can call Mr. Panky at 985-637-1519 to set up a day and time for the visit. An adult must be present with the 4-H member.
To participate in the Garden Contest, you will need to:
Each year, 4-H members from across the state who are in the 8th-12th grade as of August 1, 2026, 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, 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 2026 Louisiana 4-H University are June 23-26, 2026, 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. If you are interested in participating in 4-H University, please contact Mrs. Suzanne at the 4-H Office at 985-446-1316.
Congratulations to the winners of the Ground Beef Cookery, STEM Illustrated Talk, Rice Cookery and Sweet Potato Cookery. There were 167 Ground Beef, 157 Rice, and 170 Sweet Potato dishes for a total of 494 dishes along with 17 STEM Illustrated Talks. They are as follows:
The 4-H Shooting Sports Southern Regional Matches will be held in Port Allen, Gonzales, Alexandria, and Lecompte March 20-April 4, 2026. The state Hunting Skills competition will be held on February 28-29, 2026, at Woodworth Outdoor Education Center in Woodworth, LA. LATE Registration is taking place from now until February 13th at 12:00 noon. Late fees are an additional $10 per event and must be received by the Lafourche 4-H Office by 12:00 noon on February 13th. Please make checks payable to Lafourche 4-H Foundation. All those competing must have completed at least 8 hours of Lafourche 4-H Shooting Sports scheduled practice by competition time to be eligible to compete. NO refunds will be issued once fees are turned into the 4-H Office. All Shooting Sports members have received the registration information via 4HOnline.
Please note: All members who have completed their 8 hours of training can participate. However, shooting sports athletes who were at least 10 years old by January 1, 2026, must be certified in Hunter Education and must turn in a copy of their hunter education certificate with the registration packet (even if he or she has turned one in in the past). A LDWF hunter education course was held on December 11th for our shooting sports athletes. Please call the 4-H Office with any questions.
In an effort to recognize graduating 4-H seniors, the Louisiana 4-H Foundation sponsors the 4-H Honor Cord Award. If you are a senior in 4-H, you may be eligible to receive an honor cord for graduation. You must be enrolled in 4-H in good standing, have been a 4-H member in high school for at least three years, and have participated in at least one state sponsored program such as 4-H University, state records, state livestock show or horse shows, state outdoor skills, state boards, etc., or have demonstrated exemplary parish-level program participation in the last three years. The 4-H Honor Cord Application for seniors is now completely online. Please visit the following2026 4-H Honor Cord qualification and application link to secure your cord: Honor Cord App The deadline for submission is Monday, February 9, 2026. Please call Mrs. Suzanne at the 4-H Office at 985-446-1316 with any questions.
2026 Graduating seniors who are approved 4-H members are eligible to apply for both parish and state 4-H competitive scholarships. The application has been emailed to all approved 12th grade 4-H members in the parish through 4HOnline. We encourage all graduating seniors to submit an application, as there are several parish and state scholarships awarded each year! Please call Mrs. Suzanne at 985-446-1316 with any questions. The deadline to submit the application to the 4-H Office is 4:30 P.M. on February 23, 2026. NO late applications will be accepted.
This year’s Junior Leader Conference will be held March 6-8, 2026, at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock, LA. The camp is designed for potential leaders in the parish who are 14 years & older in grades 8-12. This year’s theme is Wrangle your Potential! The cost is $150 per participant and is non-refundable, and members provide their own transportation. Space is very limited, so please contact the 4-H office to register by February 6th to register!
Cultivate YOU is an Agriculture Career Awareness Day for teens that highlights career opportunities in agriculture and features the Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The event is open to youth in grades 8-12, and space is limited! The deadline to register is March 3rd! Call Mrs. Suzanne at the 4-H Office at 985-446-1316 today to register.
Since the Fashion and Beyond On Tour had to be rescheduled due to weather, registration is again open! The new date is March 21st, 2026, at the DeWitt Center, 100 Gregg Marshall Drive, Alexandria, LA. Registration will close on Wednesday, March 11th. If the new date works for you and you are anxious to participate in this hands-on workshop, call the 4-H Office to assist you in registering for this fun event!
I Can Do It! – During February club meetings, members will better understand self-efficacy and how it affects choices regarding healthy behaviors. They will understand the effect that self-efficacy has on attitudes and motivation, and they will gain and use skills that build and maintain self-efficacy.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Suzanne Troxclair at 985-446-1316 or email her at stroxclair@agcenter.lsu.edu
