April 2026
Community
Family and Consumer Science
Health Science Scholarship
NC Cooperative Extension and North Carolina Extension & Community Association-Franklin County announced a $1,000 scholarship opportunity for 12th grade students who are planning to attend a college or university in North Carolina and major in the subject area of Family and Consumer Sciences or Health Sciences. Applications will be accepted until May 22. More information and scholarship application can be found on our website.
4-H
National 4-H Conference
Holly Thornburg, a Franklin County 4-H'er attended the National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. April 10th-15th. Holly Thornburg was selected via the NC 4-H AIRE (Application, Interview, Resume and Essay) Program and won the trip. During this conference youth were selected to sit on a roundtable in which youth were given a challenge question and they had to design a presentation and justification of what they were proposing to multiple federal agencies. Holly's roundtable was with the National Park Service. Also, while she was there, she was able to meet with NC leaders on Capitol Hill and sit down and talk to them.
Growing in Franklin
Strawberries in the Home Garden
Strawberries are the first fruits to ripen in the spring. The small wild strawberry often found along roadsides and woodland edges are the parents of our hybrid strawberries today. The cultivars recommended for home gardens in NC are June-bearing strawberries such as ‘Galletta’, ‘Chandler’ and Jewel. Learn more
For more information about strawberries, 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.
Nutritional Value of Strawberries
The strawberry is a beautifully sweet, aromatic, fiber-rich fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Strawberries are one of the most well-liked fruits on the market, with a naturally delicious flavor and lots of nutrition to offer. It's easy to see why strawberries fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. They’re an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese and also contain decent amounts of folate (vitamin B9) and potassium. Strawberries are very rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, which may have benefits for heart health and blood sugar control. Read on
Check out this Simple Spinach and Strawberry salad Recipe
Women in Ag
On April 6th, NC Cooperative Extension Area Specialized Agent, Craig Mauney presented points to consider for commercial Pawpaw orchard setup.
At the NC Food Forest Meeting on April 20th, Craig Mauney gave a presentation on Brassicas and Mustards at Footprint Farm in Mt. Olive to the Women in Ag group.
Local Foods
Food Innovation Lab Bootcamp
Two Franklin County farm women attended the first ever, intensive food bootcamp in Kannapolis, NC and learned from the nine member NCSU Food Scientist Team in early April at the impressive NC Food Innovation Lab. Local WIA farmers were Myrlande Saint-Jean of Lakay Farm and Angeles Martinez, both of Louisburg. Local Foods Agent, Martha Mobley, also attended the bootcamp with over 20 producers from across the US participating. Fruit and vegetable value-added development and innovative marketing was taught in large commercial research-based kitchens.
Small Farm
Franklin County Farmers Market
Friday May 1st is Opening Day /Strawberry Day at the Franklin County Farmers Market.
With all the weather challenges of this spring, our farmers have once again started bringing the harvest to the market. Strawberries by the quart or bucket will be available on Friday, Strawberry Day. Also, every 15 minutes, a free quart of strawberries will be given to a lucky ticket holder. Stop by and get your free ticket at the Farmers Market Manager's table. While you are shopping enjoy your free ice cream being served by our Franklin County Cooperative Extension staff. Stay safe and healthy. Many thanks fo rsupporting your local farmers' market. Be sure to ask the market manager about the Double Bucks program starting July 1st.
Visit NC Farms
Connecting You with NC Farms, Food and Fun… all year long. We bring together a statewide network of agritourism farmers, tourism partners, and local food advocates to celebrate North Carolina agriculture.
Upcoming Programs
- May 1st - Opening Day /Strawberry Day at the Franklin County Farmers Market
- May 1st - Franklin County 4-H Sizzling Summer Sessions Registration Opens
- May 1st - Wheat Whistle Stop Field Day
- May 10th - 5th Annual WIA Local Food & Fiber Farm Tour
- June 11th - Small Farms Field Day at NC A&T State University Register online by June 1st.
- June 16th - 5-County BEEF Tour (rain date June 18th)
- June 26th - NC 4-H Northeast District Activity Day Register online by May 11th.
- August 7th - 30th Annual Franklin County Horse Farm Tour
For more information about our programs and events, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office, 919-496-3344, or visit our website.
Credits:
Franklin County Center