August 2025
Franklin County Enduring Farmer Award
The 2025 Franklin County Enduring Farmer Award is sponsored by the Franklin County Agricultural Advisory Board. The Award was approved by the County Commissioners. Applications should be returned by 5:00 p.m. September 12, 2025 to the Franklin County Ag Advisory Board, 103 S. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, NC. Please feel free to share and nominate someone. If you have questions please contact 919-496-3344, Charles Mitchell. Learn more
4-H Youth Development
Youth Ag Leadership Program
Nine rising sophomores, juniors and seniors attended a week-long Youth Ag Leadership Program in August. The participants gained knowledge about identifying issues in agriculture, public speaking, visiting working ag/farm sites, leadership lessons in decision making and team building. Youth gained knowledge about Field Crops, Horticulture, Livestock, Food Science and Ag Business.
Franklin County 4-H Summer Fun
It has been a wonderful and fun filled summer with Franklin County 4-H. The 4-H'ers have been very busy with attending sizzling summer sessions, NC 4-H Congress, Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H overnight camp, NC 4-H Electric Congress, competing in district and state presentations. We had an estimated 150 youth participate in this summer's programs and events. We ended the summer with the annual 4-H Fun livestock show. I want to thank all the youth and parents for a fabulous 4-H summer. Looking forward to a great fall season.
Livestock Fun Show
The 13th Annual Franklin County 4-H Livestock Fun Show took place at Wildwynn Stables in Youngsville on August 8th. 27 youth exhibited 29 animals this year. Poultry, rabbits and sheep were shown. Show exhibitors won prizes, feed buckets stuffed with goodies and feed for their animals.
Finding Funding for Your Farm
Conducted on July 22, the Finding Funds for your Farm Program included discussions on funding availability for the coming year, programs available for landowners, livestock producers, individual farms, and updates on the USDA Farm Bill from state representatives, and the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute offered health screenings and updates on current programs such as CPR and First Aid training, equipment reimbursements for ADs, and mini-grants to support caregivers or those in need of legal services.
Franklin County Horse Farm Tour
The 29th Annual Franklin County Horse Farm Tour was conducted Friday, August 1st with about 125 people attending. The tour featured Neuse River Equine Hospital, with Drs. Bob Meyer and Courtney Bohart, Summer Meadows Farm, with owners Geri and Doug Bickers and Arkofa Farm racehorse breeding farm with Dr. Arlee Arkofa and his wife, Joycelyn. Mike Toberer with Mountain Mule Packers and Mission Mules Inc. brought his mules and other equipment to display during the horse farm tour.
CPR/AED/First Aid Training
On Thursday, August 28th, the Franklin County Center partnered with the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute to host CPR, First Aid and Automated defibrillator training (AED) and certification for both adults and children. The goals were to equip individuals with the confidence and knowledge to act quickly in medical emergencies. Sponsored by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.
Growing in Franklin
Growing Green Beans in the Home Garden
Green Beans or Bush Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), are a warm season vegetable in the Fabacea family. They are native to the tropical regions of the Americas. They were domesticated in the pre-Columbian times, and hundreds of cultivars have been selected and bred over the years.
Beans prefer full sun (6-8 hours of sunlight) and fertile, well-drained soils. Most green beans we grow are a bush type. There are climbing and trailing types (pole beans) as well. Learn more
For more information about growing green beans or if you have other gardening questions, feel free to contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office at 919-496-3344.
Green Beans Nutrition Facts
Green beans are a common staple in households across the country. Green beans, which may also be called “string beans” (because of the fibrous string that ran along the seam of the bean pod in many earlier varieties) or snap beans (because of the familiar ‘snapping’ sound heard when the beans are broken) are not always green despite their name, they can also be yellow or purple in color. Learn more
Local Foods
Franklin County Farmers Market
A big thank you to all the customers for supporting the Franklin County Farmers Market during the National Farmers Market Week! The Franklin County Farmers Market is located in the Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg. Hours: Fridays, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Follow us on Facebook for updates! Visit our website!
Visit NC Farms
Announcing our enhanced website! Explore events in your area, discover farms to visit, plan tours & trails, and enjoy our blog for adventure ideas. Take a look and plan your adventures today! Visit NC Farms connects you with Agritourism experiences across NC. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
- Sept. 4th, Oct. 7th - Women in Ag Tours
- Sept. 7th - Ginger Production Field Day - Sept 4th N.C. A&T University Farm, 9am - 3:30pm
- Sept. 9th, Sept. 15th, Sept. 18th, Sept. 23rd - Upcoming Pesticide Recertifications
- Sept. 3rd, Sept. 10th, Sept. 17th - Fall Extension Gardener Classes - 3:30-5:00pm
- Submit Franklin County Enduring Farmer Award applications by 5:00pm September 12th
- Applications for the James Speed Achievement Award are due by Sept. 15th
- Oct. 25th - Four County 4-H Poultry Show and Sale - Show begins 10:00am, Sale about 1:00pm
For more information about Cooperative Extension programs or events, contact the office, 919-496-3344, or visit our website.
Credits:
Franklin County Center