September 2025
Community
County Advisory Leadership Council
Franklin County Cooperative Extension would like to thank Jason Farmer for serving on the County Advisory Leadership Council for the past six years. His dedication to volunteering and his contributions to Cooperative Extension programs is greatly appreciated.
Youth Ag Leadership Program
Youth Ag Leadership Program participants gathered with Cooperative Extension leaders and County officials at the County Commissioners meeting September 8th to share their experiences and what they learned from the week-long program
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.
4-H
YouthVoice 2025
Franklin County 4-H'er Holly Thornburg attended the 2025 Youth Voice Conference, which was held in conjunction with the 2025 North Carolina County Commissioners Annual Conference in Greenville in August. Holly was able to visit with local county officials, learn about the role of county commissioners as the governing body for counties and the county budgeting process and develop strategies to further her leadership and communication skills.
NC Eastern Regional 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament
Eight Franklin County 4-H'ers from the Franklin County 4-H Sharp Shooters Sports Club attended the NC Eastern Regional 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament in August and did an awesome job. There are seven youth who will be advancing to the State 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament in September. Below is what the youth brought home and we are very proud of our team.
- Junior Air Pistol - Brooke Clinebell - 2nd place Individual and 3rd place overall
- Junior Shotgun - Brooke Clinebell - 2nd place Individual and 2rd place overall
- Junior Muzzleloader - Brooke Clinebell - 3rd place Individual and 3rd place overall
- Senior Muzzleloader - Grayson Blankenship - 3rd place Individual and 3rd place overall
- Senior Archery Compound Hunters Sporter Match - Grayson Blankenship - 1st place individual and 1st place overall
- Senior Archery Compound Match - Grayson Blankenship - 3rd place individual and 3rd place overall
All kids are in the top 5 and 10. We did not compete as a team, all scores are individual scores.
- Dante Malette - 4th place in Junior Recurve Archery
- Ava Proctor's 1st tournament and she is top 10 in Muzzleloader, .22 small bore pistol, .22 open sight rifle and top 15 telescopic rifle.
Franklin County 4-H County Council
14 youth attended the 1st meeting of the 2025-2026 year for Franklin County 4-H County Council. The youth discussed what their leadership lessons were going to look like, what community service project they wanted to implement this year, and what officer positions are available for them to hold leadership positions. The youth had fun playing some icebreaker games as well. This council is geared to 6th to 12th graders and focuses on leadership, community service, and citizenship focus. Below are some candids from the 1st meeting.
Women in Ag
On Friday, September 5th, The Franklin County Women in Ag group toured Oak Ridge Farm near Pilot, and the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. Oak Ridge Farms raises and market natural meats, cut flowers and recently opened a Farmstay and pavilion. At the State Farmers Market, they visited many growers and Franklin County producers.
Growing in Franklin
Growing Broccoli in the Home Garden
Broccoli evolved from the leafy cole crops in the Northern Meditterranean around the 6th century. The name “broccoli” comes from the Italian word “brocco,” meaning “sprout” or “shoot,” which is derived from the Latin “brachium,” meaning “arm” or “branch.” It was introduced to the USA from Italy in the 1800s but did not become popular until the 1920s. By the 1940s, broccoli had become a common vegetable in America. Today, broccoli is extensively cultivated and is an important economic crop in Europe and North America.
Broccoli can be grown either by direct seeding or transplanting. For even emergence a fine seedbed is required to ensure good seed to soil contact. Most often in our area transplants are the best option since it is a very short season crop. Learn more
For more information about growing broccoli or if you have other gardening questions, feel free to contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office at 919-496-3344, or visit our website.
Broccoli Nutrition Facts
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable like kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Broccoli is known not only for its taste but for its many health benefits. Broccoli is rich in insoluble fiber and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Learn more
One cup of raw broccoli packs: Carbs: 6 grams, Protein: 2.6 grams, Fat: 0.3 grams, Fiber: 2.4 grams, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin B9 (Folate), Potassium, Phosphorus, and Selenium.
Local Foods
Franklin County Farmers Market
Hours: Fridays, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Follow us on Facebook for updates!
Visit North Carolina Farms
Time to Plan Fall Adventures! VisitNCFarms.com makes it easy to find farm field trips, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and hands-on educational experiences across the state! Plan your next farm visit today!
Upcoming Events
- Oct. 4th, WPTF Weekend Gardener LIVE • Oct. 7th, Piedmont Forest Landowner's Summit
- Oct. 14th, Agricultural Advisory Board Meeting - 7:00pm
- Oct. 25th, Four County 4-H Poultry Show and Sale - Show begins 10:00am, Sale about 1:00pm
- 2025 Franklin County 4-H Pumpkin Decorating Contest Deadline to Enter Oct. 24th
For more information about our programs and events, contact Franklin County Cooperative Extension office , 919-496-3344, or visit our website.
Credits:
Franklin County Center