BENSON, NC - Each year, the Board of Directors has the privilege of selecting a recipient of the NC Sweetpotato Commission Distinguished Service Award. This honor is presented to an individual who has rendered outstanding service to North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry. For his extraordinary contributions to the NC Sweetpotato Industry, the Commission, and its growers, packers, and shippers, the 2026 Distinguished Service Award was proudly presented to Dr. Craig Yencho.

Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Dr. Yencho has provided invaluable knowledge and innovation to sweetpotato growers across the state. His leadership in developing improved cultivation techniques, advancing pest and disease management strategies, and—most notably—his role in the pioneering breeding work that produced the Covington sweetpotato variety and reshaped modern sweetpotato production, has had a lasting impact on the industry. The Covington variety set a new standard for yield, quality, flavor and texture consistency as well as shelf-stability, helping transform North Carolina’s sweetpotato production and strengthening its position in both domestic and global markets.

The Covington variety is recognized as the #1 varietal line in the US, planted by over 90% of all NC acreage and since introduction has been valued at over $5 billion in farm receipts.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is his longstanding, hand-in-hand collaboration with growers. Recognizing that agricultural success depends not only on research but also on practical, field-level application, Dr. Yencho has consistently bridged the gap between research greenhouses and the farm.

Through this collaborative approach, North Carolina farmers have gained access to cutting-edge research and varieties that directly improve yields, enhance sustainability, and ensure the state remains the #1 producing sweetpotato state in the nation and the US’s largest exporter of American sweetpotatoes. The positive ripple effects of Dr. Yencho’s work continue to be felt—not only by growers, but also by rural communities, the broader economy, and consumers who benefit from the quality and reliability of North Carolina sweetpotatoes.

Other Items to Note from the Meeting:

1. Craig West of West Family Farms, who served as the 2024 Vice-President was re-elected to another term, and this year as President.
2. Brent Leggett of Leggett Farming Partnership, elected to the seat of Vice-President.
3. Thomas Joyner of Nash Produce was selected to serve another term as Secretary/Treasurer.

The remaining NCSC Board of Directors include:

• Richard Anderson, Anderson Farms
• Jose’ Pepe Calderon, Barnes Farming/FarmPak
• Sarah Carraway, Lancaster Farms
• Rob Glover, Rob Glover Farms
• Kim LeQuire, Kornegay Family Farms & Produce
• Annette Starling, Millstream Farms
• Scott Sullivan, Sullivan Farms
• Trey Wilson – Ham Farms
• Lyn Vick, Vick Family Farms

“Our Board is looking forward to a successful sweet year,” remarks Michelle Grainger, executive director of the NCSC. “Looking ahead, the industry is optimistic that our efforts will help push consumption and position our state as a dependable and reliable source – known for its quality and consistency,” concludes Grainger.
 

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - Diving into its show season headfirst, the Highline Mushrooms team is ready to showcase the newest additions to its Fresh Gourmet Series in Orlando, Florida, for the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Exposure.

“We’ll be spotlighting a Cream of Mushroom Soup Kit and a Grill Mate Kit. From a buyer perspective, the focus is simple: reduce friction at shelf, drive incremental sales in fresh, and turn mushrooms into an easy, repeatable meal solution rather than a single ingredient,” Sabrina Pokomandy, Director of Business Development and Marketing, tells me. “These are retail-ready, flavor-forward solutions built for how today’s shoppers—especially Gen Z—discover, decide, and cook like modern meal assemblers.”

In fact, Sabrina shares how everything she and the team are bringing to the show is designed with the retailer in mind: clear value, strong shelf presence, and solutions that resonate with the next generation of shoppers.

“Our focus is on making mushrooms easier to shop, easier to use, and easier to grow and forecast—while helping retailers build a more profitable, future-ready category,” she clarifies. Sabrina adds that when it comes to timing and partnering with the buy-side, SEPC’s Southern Exposure occurs in the perfect window. “The timing couldn’t be better. As retailers transition from winter comfort to spring and grilling, this show allows us to align early on merchandising, promotions, and seasonal resets. It’s the right moment to move mushrooms from soup to grill—and make sure those transitions are planned, intentional, and profitable.”

As we talk about those key discussions and networking in general, Sabrina says the Southern Expo and its corridor to the Southeast market create the ideal environment for real conversations.

“It’s a highly collaborative show where we can dig into category strategy, shopper behavior, and execution—not just product. The Southeast market continues to value strong partnerships, and that’s where Highline excels: combining insight, innovation, and disciplined execution to grow the mushroom category together,” Sabrina concludes.

As you plan your way around the show floor February 26–March 1, be sure to swing by booth #119 to see the latest Fresh Gourmet Series additions and more from the Highline Mushrooms team!