| [Image: East Carroll Parish Production Meeting 2008] |
| [Image: Nutrition Educator 2 Mary Ann Reed] |
| [Image: EFNEP Day Camp 2008] |
Agriculture & Natural Resources
A production workshop was held in July with LSU AgCenter specialists providing tips on late season weed and insect control along with winter weed control options following harvest. Approximately five producers were in attendance to receive these tips and gain greater knowledge on weed and insect control measures.
Evaluation of hurricane damage was sent to LSU Ag Economist Dr. Kurt Guidry. This evaluation was used to compile a report of statewide damage which was used by LDAF and USDA toward making decisions on crop disaster payments.
Harvest of all demonstrations and trials took place in September. This data will be available to all producers to help make decisions for next year’s crop.
More than 50 small farmers from Northeast Louisiana attended a farm tour where they learned best management practices for sustainable beef cattle, small grains and cotton production.
21 producers received Extension recommendations for cool season forage production.
4-H Youth Development
2008-2009 club programming will be based on gardening, nutrition and financial management where youth will become more knowledgeable on gardening and its usage (food, medical purposes, etc.), healthy eating by making smart choices from every food group, balancing between food and physical activity and getting the nutrients needed for their body and how to budget their money.
23 4-H’ers attended 4-H camp and became more knowledgeable of nutrition, water conservation, science, engineering and technology and outdoor skills by participating in hands-on experiences.
6 leaders and volunteers attended the annual Volunteer Leader training to enhance their 4-H knowledge to be able to offer better life skills opportunities to youth.
Family & Consumer Sciences
In East Carroll Parish, Southern University Ag Center’s Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent provided training to inform participants about the importance of implementing the school wellness policy. 100 participants including cafeteria workers, principals, teachers, teachers’ aides and secretaries attended and gained knowledge to successfully implement the mandates of the school wellness policy. The agent was assisted by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Nutrition Educators.
East Carroll’s FCS agent provided training in which 28 cafeteria workers improved their skills in handling and serving foods safely.
22 Parents Preparing for Success classes were taught in which 57 parents attended and participated. Parents gained knowledge and understanding of effective parenting and money management practices.
Agent and nutrition educators attended and participated in the annual Back to School Health Fair. Over 1,000 children gained knowledge in nutrition education for improved grades and skills.
Conducted a workshop on reading food labels to 32 youth and adults at an after school yearly day camp. Families increased their knowledge of reading food labels to make better food choices.
EFNEP
Facts sheets and food demonstrations were conducted for 900 families through 120 adult group meetings and 40 youth meetings. Families gained knowledge and improved skills in nutrition practices.
Agent and nutrition educators held the annual EFNEP day camp at High Delta Safari Park. 69 youth and volunteers attended and increased their knowledge of My Pyramid and physical activities.
300 families have graduated from EFNEP by completing at least 12 lessons with increased knowledge and skills of nutrition practices for improved health.
300 families have been enrolled to participate in EFNEP to improve healthy eating habits for better health.
Over 350 families received nutrition fact sheets during commodities foods and Food For Seniors distribution sites with recipes to better use their commodities foods.
FFNEWS
Distributed more than 1,300 Nutrition Nibbles educational fact sheets on Lower Your Cancer Risk, Portions vs. Servings as well as the importance of food safety after a natural disaster during commodities which is serviced throughout the parish and during Food for Seniors distribution at the Community Action Agency, Council on Aging, Health Unit and Office of Family Support.
Performed food demonstrations with elderly clients where this group of elderly men and women are learning the healthier ways of living longer by eating healthier.
Over 550 clients received nutritional educational fact sheets and learned the importance of healthy eating habits, physical activity, food safety practices and budgeting food dollars at group and individual meetings.
Community Rural Development
The LSU/SU AgCenter and Louisiana Department of Economic Development have partnered to provide E-commerce education to area businesses and potential entrepreneurs. Seven small business owners increased their knowledge of E-commerce concepts and strategies.