July 2025
Community
Hello! I am Alejandra Martinez, the new agriculture and natural resources extension agent for Franklin County. I am from Texas, where I lived my whole life up until a growing sudden interest in agriculture led me to NC State (Go Pack!) to earn my degree in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. I am extremely grateful that what started out as a small interest led to my college education and is now shaping into a career of sharing agriculture with others and supporting the Ag community. I am looking forward to doing so here by helping increase the sustainability and strengthening the economic viability of production operations, specifically small farms. I am also excited to support new farmers as they take on the tough but rewarding role of becoming a producer. I cannot wait to meet and work alongside the people of Franklin County towards an even more vibrant agriculture industry. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at acmartinez1@ncat.edu.
On Thursday, July 10th, NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell and College of Ag & Life Sciences Dean Garey Fox visited with Franklin County Manager Ryan Preble, County Extension Director Charles Mitchell, Advisory Chair Lance Williams and staff at the Franklin County Extension Center.
Franklin County 4-H youth Holly Thornburg will represent Franklin County at the 118th Annual Conference of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) in Pitt County in August.
4-H Sizzling Summer Sessions
Franklin County 4-H Sizzling Summer Sessions have begun and we are having a lot of fun. Week one consisted of NC State Parks and learned a lot about trees and products made from trees. We visited Raven Rock, Umstead, and Eno River State Parks. We are looking forward to the next 6 weeks of summer fun.
Growing in Franklin
Sweet Corn in the Home Garden
What is better than eating a fresh ear of sweet corn in the summer? Whether it be white kernels, yellow kernels or bicolor the taste of warm sweet corn on the cob with butter is hard to beat.
Corn is in the grass family, Poaceae with other grain crops such as wheat, rice, millet and sorghum. Compared to field corn, sweet corn has a higher sugar content. Most of the sweet corn grown today are hybrids that are cross-bred and selected for the best qualities. Learn more
For more information about growing sweet corn, 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 sweet corn in the next Growing in Franklin article.
Sweet Corn Nutrition Facts
Sweet corn is a good source of many nutrients. A medium-sized ear of corn has about 75 calories and one gram of fat. It supplies carbohydrates, protein, and potassium, and is a good source of dietary fiber. Other nutrients include thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorous, and manganese. Corn also contains beta-carotene, and is a useful source of protein. Freshness and cool storage after harvest are the secrets to getting good quality corn when shopping. Learn more
Local Foods
National Farmers Market Week begins August 3rd! The USDA has many resources to support farmers markets across the country. Support your local farmers by visiting a nearby market. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service connects consumers to producers at over 8,600 farmers markets nationwide through the National Farmers Market Directory.
The Franklin County Farmers Market is located in the Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg. Hours: Fridays, 9 am - 1 pm. Follow us on Facebook for updates or visit our website.
Kerr-Tar Regional Food Council
Visit NC Farms
Discover North Carolina’s Farms, Flavors and Family Fun! From U-pick spots to wineries, farm stays & seasonal events, we connect you with Agritourism experiences across N.C. Learn more
Upcoming Events
- Aug. 1st - 29th Annual Franklin County Horse Farm Tour
- Aug. 8th - 13th Annual Franklin County 4-H Fun Livestock Show
- Aug. 19th - 2025 Regional Strawberry PrePlant Meeting
- Sept. 3rd • Set. 10th • Sept. 17th - Fall Extension Gardener Classes
- Now Accepting Applications for the James Speed Achievement Award. Applications are due by Sept. 15th to be considered for the scholarship.
- Oct. 25th - Four County 4-H Poultry Show and Sale
For more information about Cooperative Extension programs or events, contact the office, 919-496-3344, or visit our website.
Credits:
Franklin County Center