How LSU AgCenter Extension Works in Louisiana
The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service is part of the LSU AgCenter, and it is the part most Louisianans actually meet: the parish agent who answers a question about a sick pasture, the 4-H office that signs a child up for a livestock project, the workshop on a Tuesday evening at the parish office. According to the AgCenter's Extension overview, its mission is to "Educate, Innovate, and Improve" the lives of Louisiana citizens, and its values are to listen, care, educate and serve. If you farm, raise animals, garden, manage land or have a child in 4-H or FFA, your parish office is the first door to knock on.
An Office in Every Parish
Louisiana has parishes, not counties, and the Extension Service has a presence in all 64 of them. The overview says faculty are based at five regional centers, in academic departments and in all 64 parishes. A June 2026 LSU feature on the service describes 64 parish offices, five regional centers and 14 research stations, and calls the parish offices the university's "storefront" in local communities. Tara Smith is Executive Associate Vice Chancellor and Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. The AgCenter website has a directory for finding your local office, so start there with your parish name.
What Extension Covers
The AgCenter lists these focus areas:
- 4-H and youth development
- Agriculture, including crop production and pest management
- Horticulture, covering lawns, gardens and ornamentals
- Health and wellness and healthy communities
- Sustainable natural resources and the environment
Help arrives through on-farm demonstrations, workshops, field days, school club meetings, camps, newsletters, publications, social media and the website. The 2026 feature groups the work into three program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Youth Development (4-H and FFA), and Nutrition and Community Health. It also says the service recently hired a Community and Economic Development Specialist to work with rural communities and agents, and it ties the agents' work to a $13 billion agricultural enterprise in the state.
Help for Producers and Landowners
For producers, the AgCenter's best-known conservation effort is the Louisiana Master Farmer Program. According to an AgCenter article on the 2026 ceremony, the program was created in 2001, and participants attend educational sessions and write conservation plans built on research-based management practices. Master Farmers log continuing education hours and recertify every five years. The article says 381 producers have earned certification or recertification since 2006, and that the program won the 2025 Conservation Innovation Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society. The ceremony was held January 8, 2026, in Alexandria.
Beyond that program, the practical move is the simple one: call your parish agent before you buy an animal, spray a field or start a project, and ask which workshop or field day is coming up.
4-H and Youth
The 2026 feature says 4-H and FFA together reach more than 175,000 youth, and that FFA students can earn industry-based credentials. A parish 4-H office is where a family enrolls through 4-H Online and joins project clubs such as livestock. A sample 2025-2026 4-H calendar from St. John the Baptist Parish shows what a year can hold: livestock possession dates, a state livestock show, 4-H Achievement Day on March 20, 2026, the Louisiana 4-H State Shooting Sports Match in April 2026, and 4-H University at LSU in Baton Rouge for grades 8 through 12 on June 23 to 26, 2026. Summer camps were listed for grades 4 through 6 and grades 7 and 8, with dates to be announced. Every parish calendar differs, so check yours.
Eligibility for livestock showing has its own rules. The St. Landry Parish 4-H livestock page quotes State Livestock Show Rule 8: 4-H members must be 9 years old before January 1 of the club year and must not have passed their 20th birthday by that January 1, and they must have held bona fide membership for 30 days before parish, district, state, regional or national events. FFA members must be enrolled in a high school agricultural education program.
Livestock Shows
Extension agents run much of the youth livestock circuit. Exhibitors show at the parish level, then at a district show, then at the LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show. The 91st state show ran February 14 to 21, 2026, at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, and an AgCenter report counted 1,207 eligible exhibitors who advanced from parish and district competitions. Rules and forms for all species are on the AgCenter's Premier Exhibitor site, and entries run through 4-H Online and FairEntry, according to the livestock show office page. The same page notes that the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has updated health requirements for in-state shows, so ask your agent what applies this season.
Funding and History
The Extension Service is funded by federal, state and local governments, and the overview says it has partnered with Louisianans for over a century. The national cooperative extension framework dates to the Smith-Lever Act of 1914.
Practical Tips
- Find your parish office through the AgCenter directory and save the number.
- Enroll in 4-H Online early if a child wants a livestock project, since possession and validation deadlines come months before shows.
- Ask for the monthly newsletter and the parish calendar. Dates change.
- Bring photos, soil results or samples when you ask a production question.
- Ask about the Master Farmer Program if you farm commercially.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many parishes have an Extension office?
All 64, according to the LSU AgCenter.
Who pays for Extension?
Federal, state and local governments.
How old must a child be for 4-H livestock?
Under the State Livestock Show rule quoted by St. Landry Parish, 9 before January 1 of the club year, and not past the 20th birthday by that date.
Where is the State Livestock Show?
The Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The 2026 show ran February 14 to 21.
Louisiana Listings Covered by This Guide
- Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign
Ouachita 4-H fundraiser at the West Monroe Tractor Supply store; the most recent run was November 28 to December 14, 2025, raising money for 4-H youth programs.
201 Mane St, West Monroe, LA 71291 | Organizer: Ouachita Parish 4-H Official event details - Beauregard Parish 4-H Agriculture Technology and Engineering Day
Hands-on agriculture technology and engineering day for 4-H youth starting at 10 a.m. at the fairgrounds exhibit hall. Held each year; the most recent date was Dec. 5, 2025.
DeRidder, LA | Organizer: Beauregard Parish 4-H Official event details - Beauregard Parish 4-H Gingerbread House and Cookie Decorating Contest
Gingerbread house and cookie decorating contest for Beauregard Parish 4-H members, with drop-off from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Held each year; the most recent date was Dec. 5, 2025.
DeRidder, LA | Organizer: Beauregard Parish 4-H Official event details - Lafourche 4-H Poultry Day
Poultry day with an egg and poultry cookery contest, live broiler contest and exhibition poultry show at the Ag Building. Held each year; the most recent date was Dec. 6, 2025.
115 Texas Street, Raceland, LA 70394 Official event details - Rapides Parish 4-H Cookery Contest
Youth drop off prepared dishes at the Evac Shelter on January 5, 2026 for the parish cookery contest. The winners can advance to the Central Region Cookery Contest in March.
Alexandria, LA | 318-767-3968 | Organizer: Rapides Parish 4-H Official event details - St. Landry Parish 4-H and FFA Livestock Show
Parish-level 4-H and FFA livestock show held at the Ag Arena in Opelousas. Held each year; the most recent dates were January 16-17, 2026.
- St. Landry Parish 4-H/FFA Livestock Show
Youth exhibit beef, dairy, sheep, goats, swine, poultry and rabbits at the parish show, the qualifier for the Acadiana District show; the most recent dates were January 16-17, 2026 at the Ag Arena in Opelousas.
Opelousas, LA | 337-948-0561 | Organizer: LSU AgCenter St. Landry Parish 4-H Official event details - West Feliciana 4-H and Feliciana Livestock Club Livestock Show
Youth show for rabbits, poultry, cattle, sheep, goats and hogs, starting Friday at 4:30 p.m. and continuing Saturday at 8 a.m.; held January 16-17, 2026 alongside the 4-H Mini Farm day for local schools.
St. Francisville, LA | 225-635-3614 | Organizer: Feliciana Livestock Club Official event details - East Feliciana Parish Livestock Show
Parish livestock show at Clinton Arena that feeds into the district and state shows. Held each year; the most recent date was Jan. 17, 2026. Entries are made through 4-H Online and Fair Entry.
Clinton, LA | Organizer: East Feliciana Parish 4-H Official event details - Ouachita Parish 4-H Cookery Contest
Parish 4-H cookery contest at the Ouachita 4-H office on Monday, January 26, 2026, with check-in at 5:15-5:30 pm and the awards program starting at 7 pm.
704 Cypress Street, West Monroe, LA 71291 | (318) 323-2251 | Organizer: Ouachita Parish 4-H Official event details - Southwest District Livestock Show and Rodeo
District livestock show for southwest Louisiana youth with rodeo performances Jan. 29-31, 2026 at Burton Coliseum, billed as the 87th annual show. Held each year; these were the most recent dates.
7001 Gulf Highway, Lake Charles, LA 70607 | Organizer: Burton Coliseum Complex Official event details - Acadiana District 4-H and FFA Livestock Show and Sale
District show for southwest Louisiana youth at the Blackham barns; swine, beef, dairy, goat and poultry classes. The most recent dates were January 27-31, 2026. It leads into the state show.
Lafayette, LA | Organizer: LSU AgCenter 4-H and FFA Official event details - LSU AgCenter State 4-H and FFA Livestock Show
Louisiana state 4-H and FFA championship livestock show, the 91st edition in 2026 with 1,207 eligible exhibitors. Held each year; the most recent dates were February 14-21, 2026 at Lamar Dixon Expo Center.
- LSU AgCenter State 4-H/FFA Livestock Show
The statewide LSU AgCenter 4-H/FFA livestock show at Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The 91st show ran Feb. 14-21, 2026 with 1,207 eligible exhibitors. Held each year; these were the most recent dates.
Gonzales, LA | Organizer: LSU AgCenter Official event details - LSU AgCenter Junior Angus Show
Junior Angus breed show held during the state livestock show season. The Feb. 20, 2026 show drew 54 entries from across Louisiana and included junior showmanship. Held each year; these were the most recent dates.
Gonzales, LA | Organizer: LSU AgCenter Official event details - Rapides Parish 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program Competition
Students in grades 6-8 compete in the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) at the Alexandria Zoo on February 24, 2026, alongside a youth wetland program. The fee was $20 per participant.
Alexandria, LA | 318-767-3968 | Organizer: Rapides Parish 4-H Official event details - 4-H Esports Northeast Regional
Northeast regional round of the Louisiana 4-H esports league, hosted at Sterlington Middle School on February 28, 2026.
Monroe, LA | Organizer: Louisiana 4-H Official event details - Wild Over Wildlife with Avoyelles Parish 4-H
Outdoor wildlife education day hosted by Avoyelles Parish 4-H at Bayou Chicot State Park, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a $25 registration. Held each year; the most recent date was March 14, 2026.
LA | Organizer: Avoyelles Parish 4-H Official event details - Acadia Parish 4-H Spring Contest Day
Evening contest day covering Journey into Jobs interviews, demonstrations, meat identification and poultry identification, starting at 5 p.m. Held each year; the most recent date was March 16, 2026.
LA | Organizer: Acadia Parish 4-H Official event details - Central Region 4-H Cookery Contest
Regional round of the 4-H cookery contest, held at the Evac Shelter in Alexandria on March 16, 2026. It is the next step for parish cookery winners from central Louisiana.
Alexandria, LA | Organizer: Rapides Parish 4-H Official event details - Southern Regional 4-H Shooting Sports Match
Regional 4-H shooting sports competition hosted across Ascension and West Baton Rouge parishes. Held each year; the most recent dates were March 20 to April 4, 2026.
LA | Organizer: Louisiana 4-H Official event details - Caldwell Parish 4-H Fishing Clinic
Fishing clinic for Caldwell Parish 4-H youth in Grayson, announced in the March 2026 parish newsletter. Held each year; the most recent date was March 28, 2026.
Grayson, LA | Organizer: Caldwell Parish 4-H Official event details - 4-H Eco Quest
Environmental education day for 4-H youth at the Evac Shelter in Alexandria on March 30, 2026, running 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Alexandria, LA | Organizer: Louisiana 4-H Official event details - Rapides Parish 4-H Fishing Clinic
A Rapides 4-H fishing clinic held at the Woodworth Educational Center on March 31, 2026, from 9 am to 1 pm, giving youth hands-on instruction in angling and outdoor skills.
Woodworth, LA | 318-767-3968 | Organizer: Rapides Parish 4-H Official event details - 4-H and FFA Capitol Day
4-H and FFA members visit the Louisiana State Capitol to meet lawmakers. Held each year; the most recent date was April 28, 2026.
- Rapides Parish 4-H Awards Program
Year-end awards night for Rapides 4-H members held at the Evac Shelter on April 28, 2026, recognizing outstanding members nominated earlier in the spring.
Alexandria, LA | 318-767-3968 | Organizer: Rapides Parish 4-H Official event details - Acadia Parish 4-H Achievement Day
Achievement Day with the Ready to Wear fashion judging and an apron contest showcase, held at Midland High School. Held each year; the most recent date was May 4, 2026.
LA | Organizer: Acadia Parish 4-H Official event details - 4-H Esports Northwest Regional
Northwest regional round of the Louisiana 4-H esports league, held on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches on May 1, 2026.
Natchitoches, LA | Organizer: Louisiana 4-H Official event details - State 4-H Food Challenge
Statewide 4-H culinary contest hosted in Alexandria. Held each year; the most recent date was May 20, 2026.
- Caldwell Parish 4-H Camp
Four-day 4-H camp at Camp Grant Walker near Pollock, with registration opening March 2 and the deposit due April 1 in 2026. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 25-28, 2026.
Pollock, LA | Organizer: Caldwell Parish 4-H Official event details - 4-H Bayou Area Horse Show
4-H horse show with showmanship, halter, speed, western pleasure and western horsemanship classes. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and competition starts at 10. Held each year; the most recent date was June 6, 2026.
Raceland, LA Official event details - LSU AgCenter Hay Day
Hay production and forage field day at Dodson Ranch near Coushatta. Held each year; the most recent date was June 11, 2026.
Coushatta, LA | Organizer: LSU AgCenter Official event details - Ouachita Parish 4-H Camp Week
Summer 4-H camp week for Ouachita youth, scheduled June 8-11, 2026, with registration closing on April 24, 2026.
704 Cypress Street, West Monroe, LA 71291 | (318) 323-2251 | Organizer: Ouachita Parish 4-H Official event details - Lafourche 4-H Kid Chef Camp
Two-day summer cooking camp for young 4-H members at the Lafourche extension office, running 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 14-15, 2026.
115 Texas Street, Raceland, LA 70394 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 - 4-H Hall of Fame Ceremony
Ceremony honoring inductees into the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame, staged in Pollock. Held each year; the most recent date was August 8, 2026.
- Louisiana Sugar Cane 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
Free-admission youth livestock show at the SugArena on September 25, 2026, with 4-H students competing and the livestock auction held at 2 p.m. Held alongside the Sugar Cane Festival each fall.
713 N.W. Bypass (Hwy. 3212), New Iberia, LA 70560 | (337) 369-4441 | Organizer: Iberia Parish 4-H Official event details - Acadia Parish LSU AgCenter Extension Office
Parish extension office in Crowley serving a rice, soybean and crawfish parish of about 60,000 residents across 419,400 acres, with agriculture, 4-H and horticulture programs.
157 Cherokee Drive, Crowley, LA 70526 | 337-788-8821 - Allen Parish LSU AgCenter Extension Office
Allen Parish extension office at 117 North 5th Street in Oberlin. The 4-H office line, 337-639-4376, handles calls about livestock shows, cookery contests and club meetings run by the associate 4-H agent.
117 North 5th Street, P.O. Box 188, Oberlin, LA 70655-0188 | 337-639-4376 - Ascension Parish LSU AgCenter Extension Office
Ascension Parish extension office in Building C on South Landry Road in Gonzales, the city where the LSU AgCenter State 4-H and FFA Livestock Show is held at Lamar Dixon Expo Center.
9039 S. Landry Rd., Building C, Gonzales, LA 70737 | 225-621-5794
Plus 77 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Louisiana directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.