NC Sweetpotato Commission honors Craig Yencho with Distinguished Service Award

At their Annual Meeting held in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the NC Sweetpotato Commission elected a new slate of officers and recognized Craig Yencho with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award.

Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Yencho has contributed invaluable knowledge to sweetpotato growers across the state. Whether it’s through developing new cultivation techniques, improving pest management practices, or innovating new varieties, the efforts have significantly boosted both the quality and quantity of sweetpotatoes produced in North Carolina.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the hand-in-hand work with growers. Recognizing that success in agriculture depends not just on research but on practical, on-the-ground collaboration, Yencho has bridged the gap between the laboratory and the field.

More announcements from the NC Sweetpotato Commission's Annual Meeting

1. Craig West of West Family Farms, who served as the 2024 NC Sweetpotato Commission Vice President, was re-elected to another term, this year as President. 

2. Brent Leggett of Leggett Farming Partnership was 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 includes:
   
   - 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 NC Sweetpotato Commission. “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.

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