What 4-H and FFA Capitol Day Is
4-H and FFA Capitol Day is an annual day at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge when 4-H and FFA members meet the people who write the state's laws. It exists to recognize the impact of 4-H on the state's youth, to thank legislators for their support, and to let young people take part in the legislative process. Students also advocate for continued support of agriculture and extension education in Louisiana. The most recent Capitol Day was Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Who Can Attend
For East Baton Rouge Parish, the day was open to enrolled 4-H members in grades 4 through 12. Spots were limited and first-come, first-served. The Louisiana 4-H program describes the day as open to the whole 4-H family, with youth from across the state, and organizers use it to explain the program to legislators and community stakeholders.
Cost and How to Sign Up
| Attendee | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Youth | $20 |
| Adults | $10 |
Lunch was included. To be added to the East Baton Rouge list, families contacted the East Baton Rouge 4-H staff; once a spot was confirmed, they received instructions for official registration in 4-H Online. The East Baton Rouge 4-H Office is at 9050 Airline Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70815.
What Happens at the Capitol
In 2026 nearly 500 high school students from across the state took part in the combined 4-H and FFA day. The program included:
- A welcome from Dr. Matt Lee, LSU senior vice chancellor for agriculture, who highlighted student accomplishments, including multiple national championships and first-place finishes by the state's shooting sports teams in five of the past six national competitions.
- Opening remarks and emcee duties by Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry.
- A luncheon in the courtyard of the historic Pentagon Barracks, sponsored by USA Rice, the Louisiana Cattlemen's Association, the Louisiana Egg Commission and the LSU AgCenter.
- Meetings with state legislators.
- Observing committee hearings and learning about policymaking firsthand.
- Thanking elected officials and asking for continued support of agriculture and extension education.
Speakers encouraged students to become the next generation of agricultural leaders for their communities, state and country.
An Earlier FFA Capitol Day
Louisiana FFA held its own Capitol Day on May 4, 2023, with over 200 FFA members, supporters and guests expected. Participants observed committee meetings, heard a keynote at a luncheon on Capitol grounds from Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain, and ended the day as the House and Senate recognized Louisiana FFA for its support of agricultural education. At the time the association had nearly 13,000 members across 212 programs.
What You Get Out of It
Members get a firsthand look at committee hearings and policymaking, a face-to-face meeting with lawmakers, a lunch in the courtyard of the historic Pentagon Barracks, and a chance to speak up for the programs that matter to them.
Questions
Is it for 4-H only?
The 2026 day brought 4-H and FFA members together. Louisiana FFA has also held its own Capitol Day.
What grades can go?
East Baton Rouge 4-H opened it to grades 4 through 12.
What does it cost?
In 2026, $20 for youth and $10 for adults, lunch included.
Official Links
- EBR 4-H Events: date, fees, how to register
- Louisiana 4-H and FFA Take Agriculture to the State Capitol: 2026 report
- 4-H Day at the Capitol: purpose of the day
- Louisiana FFA hosts 2023 Capitol Day
LSU AgCenter Cooperative Extension in Louisiana: The Essentials
The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service is part of the LSU AgCenter, with faculty at five regional centers and in all 64 parishes, per the AgCenter overview.
What it offers
Programs cover 4-H and youth development, agriculture and pest management, horticulture, health and wellness, and natural resources, delivered through demonstrations, workshops, field days and newsletters.
4-H and livestock
Parish 4-H offices enroll youth and support the parish, district and state livestock show circuit. The 2026 state show ran February 14 to 21 in Gonzales, per the AgCenter report.
For producers
The Louisiana Master Farmer Program, created in 2001, has certified or recertified 381 producers since 2006, per the AgCenter.
Next steps
Find your parish office in the AgCenter directory and call before you buy an animal, plant a crop or start a project.
Read the full guide: LSU AgCenter Cooperative Extension in Louisiana
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Spark, Action, Change Summit
4-H youth summit in Baton Rouge on the Louisiana 4-H calendar. Held each year; the most recent dates were February 19-21, 2026.
Baton Rouge, LA | Organizer: Louisiana 4-H Official event details - AgMagic in Baton Rouge
Hands-on agriculture education event on the LSU campus aimed at school groups. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 23-28, 2026.
Baton Rouge, LA | Organizer: LSU AgCenter Official event details - Louisiana 4-H WeLead Conference
Leadership conference for Louisiana 4-H members held on the LSU campus. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 22-24, 2026.
Baton Rouge, LA | Organizer: Louisiana 4-H Official event details - Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
Eleven-night fall fair at the Airline Highway Fairgrounds in Baton Rouge with midway rides, food and exhibits. Held each year; the most recent dates were October 22 to November 1, 2026.
- State Fair of Louisiana
The 120th State Fair of Louisiana fills the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport for eighteen days, with livestock shows, midway rides and food. The fair has run since 1906.
3701 Hudson Ave., Shreveport, LA 71109 | Organizer: State Fair of Louisiana Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.