About the LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter provides 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.

Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) - Myra Purvis

The second annual Master Gardener Continuing Education workshop was held on Friday July 31, 2026, at the Scott Research & Extension Center. This program was offered by Marcie Wilson to the volunteers within the 2 Master Gardener associations she coordinates in the region, Delta of Tensas, Concordia, and Catahoula Parishes and Macon Ridge of Franklin Parish. The agenda included a presentation from Carol Pinnell-Allison on garden pest management and from Marcie Wilson on hobby greenhouse management. 15 volunteers participated in the workshop and enjoyed a few rounds of Pest ID Bingo, pest management visual aids, and a hands-on propagation lab.

The corn on-farm demonstration on the Campbell Farm was harvested and the soybean on-farm demonstration on Randy Braswell’s farm was harvested.Corn yields are lower this year due to replanting from freeze in March, rain during pollination and overall hot and dry conditions later in the growing season.Soybean yields are very good this year.

The Northeast Louisiana Rice Growers Association Field Day was held at the Macon Ridge Research Station on August 6, 2026.Participants walked the rice research plots, got research updates from LSU AgCenter Rice Breeder Dr. Adam Fornoso, Rice Extension Specialist Dr. Tyler Musgrove, Entomologist Dr. Dawson Kerns, Plant Pathologist Dr. Felipe Dalla Lana, Ag Economist Dr. Michael Delberto and USA Rice Federation Kane Webb.

4-H Youth and Family Development - Hannah Watson

July: Franklin Parish camped week 8 at Camp Grant Walker for 4-H Camp. We had 14 youth, 2 counselors, and 5 adults go! The kids made lots of memories and had tons of fun! We already have one youth promoting 4-H camp and planning on attending again next year!

August: While they competed in July, we want to recognize our 4-H National BB Team! They travelled to Arkansas to compete and won 2nd place at the Opening Ceremony themed costume contest.

September: School clubs are off and already electing officers! We have our sewing club coming back again this year and our new Fishing club! Plenty of fun and engaging opportunities for Franklin Parish 4-H’ers!

---

Nutrition and Community Health (NCH) – Quincy Vidrine

The LSU AgCenter Nutrition & Community Health Agent participated in the Crowville School Open House by providing an informational exhibit for students and their families. Resources shared included information about the Generations Family Health Study, conducted by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, which is currently seeking participants from Northeast Louisiana and throughout the state. Families also received educational materials on the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, healthy recipes, and information about upcoming LSU AgCenter classes, workshops, and community events. This outreach provided an opportunity to connect with families and promote healthy lifestyle choices while increasing awareness of research opportunities available to residents.

The LSU AgCenter continues its partnership with the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office to provide culinary and nutrition education programming for youth participating in the MERIT Program. The fall educational series runs from August through December, with the first session held on August 17. During the workshop, participants learned essential food and kitchen safety practices and gained hands-on cooking experience by preparing low-fat cheese quesadillas and practicing knife skills while cutting vegetables for the recipe. Special thanks to the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office for the recent kitchen renovation at MERIT, which has created an outstanding learning environment. This enhanced space supports nutrition and healthy living education, culinary skill development, and workforce readiness opportunities for the participating youth.