Red River 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

Red River Parish provides evidence-based programs and resources to promote healthy eating, active living, and overall well-being within our community. Through engaging programs and community initiatives, we offer tailored education for youth, adults, and families to encourage sustainable healthy habits. By partnering with local organizations and engaging in the community, we strive to create a supportive environment for long-term wellness.

4-H Youth Development

Agriculture remains the backbone of Red River Parish, yet many of our youth have limited understanding of where their food comes from and the role farmers play in sustaining daily life. Through monthly school club meetings, field trips and project clubs like 4-H Chefs, Livestock, and Explorers, participants learn about crop production, livestock care, and how agriculture is really the root of everything. With the help of volunteers, all fourth-grade students at two schools participate in the School Garden program, where they engage in hands-on activities, learning the importance of good nutrition and maintaining a small garden. Explorers club members are learning more about state and national parks and forests as well as Ag, through monthly day trips. With Agriculture focus in school club meetings, project clubs, trips, and contests--such as forestry, hunting skills, 4-H U, and Food Challenge--Red River Parish 4-H aims to build informed citizens who value and support Louisiana’s agricultural heritage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plants, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Red River Parish residents. Agriculture plays a major role in the livelihood of Parish residents. The parish is very diverse agriculturally, with the livestock and plant industries making up a farm value of over $59 million. The largest economic production comes from forestry, beef cattle, corn, and soybeans. Other crops that are grown in Red River Parish include grain sorghum, wheat, and hay production. In addition to large-scale producers, home gardens are common throughout the parish, with homeowners tending to fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

Whom We Reach:

• 283 youth (includes 283 4-H members, 12 school clubs, 1 Homeschool clubs, 6 Project Clubs)
• 500 agriculture, natural resources, and nutrition and community health

How We Reach Them

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

Expanding Our Efforts:

50 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, family and community

Parish Facts:

LSU AgCenter county agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife and animal enterprises to Red River Parish residents. The total dollar amount from these commodities were: $59,322,903.

Land area — 388.6 square miles; Population 7,620: Population under 18 years old — 23.4%; Population 65 years old and over — 19.7%; Median household income — $44,539; Persons below poverty — 23.7%

Local Issues and Plans for this Year

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana agriculture

• Conduct beef cattle and crop workshops, along with other related topics
• Write news columns, webpage content and seminars on agriculture practices
• Conduct farm and home educational visits

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

• Participate in regional activities, field days, and workshops
• Support school enrichment programs
• Collaborate with other agricultural services to deliver educational material and opportunities to area landowners, producers, and the public
• Conduct farm and homeowner educational visits

Build leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development

• Develop and implement service-learning projects throughout the parish
• Grow school gardens in our local schools

Strengthen families and communities

• Expanding ongoing Healthy Communities Projects
• Provide programming to prevent, reduce, or manage various diet-related diseases
• Teaching portion control for better health

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