About the LSU AgCenter

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

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Agriculture is a $97 million dollar industry in Iberia Parish. Residents continue to be concerned with our coastline and maintaining our aquaculture and agricultural industries. Delcambre Direct allows local fisherman the opportunity to sell their products directly to the public via the internet and continues to be a success. Row crops, primarily sugarcane and soybeans, as well as beef cattle production are the main components of the parish’s agriculture industry. Field days, recertification meetings and master farmer opportunities are conducted to ensure that producers follow recommended best management practices. Horticulture & home garden educational information is also made available.

Family & Consumer Sciences

Nutrition, obesity and healthy living are important to Americans and to the residents of Iberia Parish. Nutrition education programs are conducted throughout the parish at schools, libraries & community events. The goals of these programs are to increase participant’s knowledge of nutrition and physical activity, understand the importance of better health habits and develop a Health Community. Through a variety of Healthy Living programs our residents learn about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. Parents of young children learn appropriate parenting skills and ways to encourage healthy eating & activity with their children.

4-H Youth Development

The 4-H Youth Development program focuses on enriching the lives of young people. Through the essential elements of belonging, independence, generosity and mastery, Iberia 4-H members display leadership, communication & service-learning skills. Leadership skills are emphasized by allowing all parish 4-H clubs to have officer positions. During monthly educational programs at all 4-H club meetings, youth are given the opportunity to become more knowledgeable on a variety of topics from science careers to healthy living. The livestock, horse & shooting sports programs also teach sportsmanship & responsibility to all youth participants.

Who we reach:

• 5,139 - Youth (includes 823 4-H members & 31 school 4-H clubs)
• 13,996 - Adults (5,382 Ag & Natural Resources, 5,406 Family Consumer
• Sciences & 3,208 Youth Enrichment)

How we reach them:

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

Expanding our efforts:

279 volunteers from 4-H, Master Gardeners, Family and Community and Master Horseman.

Parish Facts

LSU AgCenter County Agents provide research-based information on plant, aquaculture, wildlife, and animal enterprises to Iberia Parish clientele. The 2019 total dollar amount from these commodities were:

• Plant enterprises: $75,995,684 Population – 72,176
• Fishery & Wildlife: $10,064,908 Persons under 18 years old - 26.2%
• Livestock Enterprises: $11,261,073 Land area (square miles) – 574.11
• Persons 65 years old and over – 14.4%
• Persons below poverty – 23.4%
• Median household income - $44,235

Local Issues & Plans for this year:

Increase productivity and profitability of Louisiana Agriculture (ANR)

• Continue commodity production meetings & variety trials
• Continue crop and livestock field days
• Continue marketing strategies for local fisheries industry
• Continue pesticide & smoke management recertification
• Continue agricultural economic educational programs
• Continue Master Gardener, Master Farmer, and Master Cattlemen programs
• Continue “Ag Adventures” educational program

FCS/Nutrition & Health

• Provide basic parenting classes through a cooperative agreement with the workforce commission
• Provide nutrition education to youth & adults in schools, organizations, & businesses
• Begin the implementation of a Healthy Communities project for Iberia Parish targeting an individual community
• Continue educational programs on food safety, nutrition, health, & fitness to youth & adults

4-H Youth Development

• Continue educational programs to youth through club meetings
• Continue leadership and volunteerism opportunities and trainings
• Continue community service-learning projects
• Continue contest days, workshops, livestock shows, shooting sports and camps
• Continue character development and youth safety programs for positive youth development

General

• Continue collaborations with local governing bodies and agencies such as:
• Iberia Parish Government, Iberia Parish School Board, District Attorney’s Office, Iberia Sheriff’s Office, Office of Family Support and Council on Aging.

How we are funded:

You are the local supporters and beneficiaries in the LSU AgCenter extension programs. Just 20% support keeps these programs in your community. Your parish extension office offers programs in:

• Sustaining Louisiana agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
• Building leaders and good citizens through 4-H Youth Development.
• Family, nutrition and health to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana’s citizens.

LSU AgCenter State Appropriated Funds for FY 2019-2020:

• State general direct: 74.9%
• Federal funds: 13.6%
• Self-generated: 7.1%
• Statutory deductions: 4.4%