Acadia Parish Profile

About The LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is dedicated to providing innovative research, information and education to improve people’s lives. Working in a 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.

Program Highlights

Nutrition and Community Health

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a community nutrition outreach program funded by the USDA and National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Over 400 families and youth participated in the EFNEP which seeks to educate limited resource audiences on eating healthy on a budget to lessen risks of chronic disease and obesity. The EFNEP population is of diverse, limited resource individuals who are responsible for preparing family meals, have children under the age of 18 living in the home, pregnant, receiving free/reduced lunch and between the ages of 5-18.

4-H Youth Development

Acadia Parish 4-H serves over 1,250 youth through 30 clubs for ages 9–19, supported by 170 certified volunteers. Our program focuses on leadership, science, and service learning through schools, camps, and clubs. In addition to general activities, youth can join specialized clubs in Sewing, Art, Beekeeping, Gardening, Livestock, Horse Workshops, Junior Leadership, and Shooting Sports. Committed to building life skills and confidence, Acadia Parish 4-H continues to grow and make a lasting impact.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture significantly boosts Acadia Parish’s economy, with 2025 seeing the cultivation of 84,000 acres of rice, 10,000 acres of soybeans, 94,000 acres of crawfish, 6,000 acres of sugarcane, and approximately 10,000 head of cattle. The County Agent conducts educational programs, field days, demonstrations, and hosts pesticide re-certifications to help increase yields and educate the public on safety. Horticulture in the parish is diverse, featuring fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops, with calls and home visits addressing various issues. School gardens foster teamwork and environmental education among students, while the Acadia Parish LSU AgCenter offers seminars, research-based materials, and access to specialists.

Whom We Reach:

• 42,785 youth (includes 1,250 4-H members and 36 school 4-H Clubs)
• 24,901 adults (3,548 through agriculture and natural resources and 21,353 through family consumer sciences)

How We Reach Them:

4-H Clubs, school enrichment, field days, publications, newsletters, class series, website, social media and workshops.

Expanding Our Efforts:

730 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community and Master Horseman.

Parish Facts:

information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Acadia Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: Animal enterprises, $19,612,786; aquaculture and wildlife, $45,650,331; plant enterprises, $140,651,675. Land area — 655.2 square miles; Population —57,576; Population under 18 years old — 25.8%; Population 65 years old and over — 15.8%; Median household income — $44,977; Persons below poverty — 23.7%

Local Issues and Plans for This Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Rice and Soybean Production Day
• Rice and Soybean Field Day
• Public news columns and radio broadcasts
• Email updates and newsletters
• Educational visits to farms and residences

Promote the wide use of natural resources and protection of the environment.

• Share announcements, updates, and training schedules for the Louisiana Master Farmer program.
• Offer educational sessions on the advantages of using cover crops in farming.
• Conduct seminars and training sessions focused on pesticide safety.

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.

• Enhance the existing volunteer development program to include additional resources and incentives
• Marketing Extension programs

Strengthen families and communities

• Nutrition and Community Health clients receive training on feeding their families nutritionally on a budget
• Guidelines for maintaining safety and proper conduct on social media platforms
• Programs designed to prepare individuals for entering the workforce
• Workshops on effective strategies for managing time efficiently
• Educational sessions on the principles of good nutrition

How is Extension Funded?

• Federal funding from the USDA/ NIFA
• State general funds from the Louisiana Legislature
• Local support from parish government, including police juries and school boards
• Self-generated funds

What Role Do You Play?

Our stakeholders at the parish level are the local supporters and beneficiaries of the LSU AgCenter cooperative extension programs. Their support keeps these critical programs in their communities.

Each Parish Offers Programming In:

• 4-H and Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Nutrition and Community Health

For the latest research-based information on just about anything, visit our website: LSUAgCenter.com