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

Improving the health of families and individuals is the focus of NCH in Lafayette Parish. Nutrition classes and disaster preparedness lessons are taught in schools, summer camps, senior centers, and with nonprofit organizations. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) teaches limited income families how to eat healthy on a budget.

4-H Youth Development

The LSU AgCenter provided 4-H programming to youth throughout the parish, reaching students in public, parochial, charter, and home schools. Through 4-H, participants learned about making healthy choices, developing leadership and teamwork skills, and cultivating habits for a successful and fulfilling life. Club members engaged in a seven-part lesson series focused on essential life skills. Additionally, the Heath Rocks curriculum was delivered in twelve middle schools to address vaping and substance abuse. The School Garden Initiative further enriched learning by boosting academic performance, enhancing life skills, and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices through hands-on gardening experiences.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Major agriculture and horticulture programs are Master Gardener, Master Cattleman, Master Horseman, and Master Farmer. The staff offered various agricultural field days and demonstrations. Private pesticide applicator re-certification class is offered through our office. The Master Gardeners contribute over 12,392 volunteer hours and travel over 68,730 miles annually performing horticulture-related outreach and giving presentations through the Master Gardener’s Speaker’s Bureau. The total estimated value for major agriculture commodities in Lafayette is equal to 78.36 million dollars.

Whom We Reach:

460,634 total contacts: 270,940 through Youth Development (Club Enrollment 1,493; School Enrichment 7,797), 140,068 though ANR and 49,569 through NCH)

How We Reach Them:

1,186 Total Activities – 194 Mass Media Activities; 927 Group/Individual Activities

Expanding Our Efforts:

Youth Development – 338 Programs, 660 Events and Activities, 270,940 Total Contacts, 96,456 Direct Contacts, 330 Outreach, 173,192 Mass Media Contacts

Ag and Natural Resources – 214 Programs, 834 Events and Activities, 140,068 Total Contacts, 1,644 Direct Contacts, 2,249 Outreach, 134,918 Mass Media Contacts

Nutrition and Community Health – 284 Programs, 287 Events and Activities, 49,569 Total Contacts, 975 Direct Contacts, 18,814 Outreach, 29,769 Mass Media Contacts/Electronic Contacts

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on Plant, Animal Fisheries & Wildlife Enterprises to Lafayette Parish residents from the 2024 Louisiana AgSummary. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: 78.36 million. Plant Enterprises $46.22 million; Animal Enterprises $28.31 million; Fisheries & Wildlife Enterprises $3.83 million. Land area – 268.72 square miles; Population estimates (2024) – 254,241; Population under 18 years old - 24.1%; Population 65 years old and over – 15.97%; Median household income - $63,964; Persons below poverty – 17.0%

Local Issues and Plans for this Year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Sustain and grow major educational programs based on local agricultural needs
• Provide gardening education and resources in schools, homes and across the community
• Provide updates on agronomic weed management strategies and best practices

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

• Promote comprehension of food pathways and the principles of homesteading
• Educate the public on roadway safety and emphasize the importance of safe movement of farm equipment

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Build awareness of issues facing youth as it relates to life skill development. Through a series of lessons, students will be introduced to topics of communication, consumer decision making, MyPlate and physical fitness.
• Increase youth members’ engagement in service-learning and community service projects that address environmental awareness, action and/or change in our local communities
• Promote healthy relationships, address bullying and social media pressures and expand substance abuse prevention and communication efforts
• Continue to enhance and expand the school garden program to promote healthy food choices, nutrition education, and physical exercise
• Promote agriculture awareness and careers in agriculture

Strengthen families and communities.

• Addressing food insecurity in Lafayette Parish through education and community connections that empower residents with resources and support
• LSU AgCenter’s Nutrition and Community Health divisions are boosting visibility through radio, TV, newsletters, and public events
• Educate homeowners on the benefits of high-performance building practices.. For example, reduction in insurance and utility costs
• Interact with youth through hands-on STEM challenges, exposing them to wind and flood resilience as well as disaster preparedness

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