4-H Club News
Franklin County 4-H County Council celebrated with a team building exercise to conclude the 2024-2025 council year. Strategy Society 4-H Club did a drive to raise food, treats, pet beds, and toys for the Franklin County Animal Shelter. They did this twice and this is their 2nd load.
Franklin County Buckles and Banners 4-H Club members Nolan Cross, Whitley Ellis, Valerie Poole, and Meredith Poole participated at the NC State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on April 26th at Martin Community College. Nolan participated in the Cloverbud division for the first time. Whit, Valerie, and Meredith brought home 10th place Junior Team and tons of individual awards, including Valerie as the overall 8-10 year division High Individual. Full results can be found HERE. Congratulations to the team!
Growing in Franklin
Sweetpotatoes in the Home Garden
Often referred to as the “Orange Superfood” sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a warm season crop and a member of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). Sweetpotatoes are grown for the large storage roots they produce and are sometimes mistakenly referred to as “yams.” Yams are an entirely separate plant and it is unlikely that many locals have eaten a true yam. Many products that are marketed as “Yams” are in fact sweet potatoes. Yams are edible tubers that are native to Africa and Asia, with a thick rough bark-like skin and a yellow or white flesh. Learn more
For more information about growing sweetpotatoes, or if you have other gardening questions, feel free to contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Office at 919-496-3344. Stay tuned for nutritional information about sweetpotatoes in the next Growing in Franklin article.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweetpotatoes
Sweetpotato nutrition is off the charts, making sweetpotatoes a wholesome option for children, adults, diabetics and anyone interested in improving their health. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) lists sweetpotatoes as the healthiest food, and for good reason. One medium sweetpotato provides about 100 calories, with 2 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber. Sweetpotatoes provide a balance of nutrients, are absent of saturated fat and cholesterol, and are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Learn more
Women in Ag Tours
On Friday, May 2nd, the Franklin County Women in Ag group toured the Juniper Level Botanic Garden educational, research and display garden in Raleigh. On Sunday, May 11th, nine area farms were open to the public for the 4th Annual Women in Ag Local Foods Farm Tour.
Farmers Market
The Franklin County Farmers Market is located in the Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg. Hours: Fridays, 9 am until 1 pm. Thanks for supporting your local farmers market. Follow us on Facebook for updates! For additional information visit our website.
Visit NC Farms App
Upcoming Events
- Beginning June 16th - Franklin County 4-H Sizzling Summer Sessions
- June 19th, 6:30 p.m. - Pesticide Applicator Training 2 Credits for the following categories: A, B, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, T, D, X
- June 20th - Small Farms Field Day at NC A&T State University
For additional information about Cooperative Extension programs or events, contact the office, 919-496-3344, or visit our website.
Credits:
Franklin County Center