The NC Sweetpotato Commission presented its 2026 Distinguished Service Award to Craig Yencho at the organization’s annual meeting held in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Yencho has shared valuable knowledge with sweetpotato growers across the state, developing new cultivation techniques, improving pest management practices and innovating varieties that have boosted the quality and quantity of sweetpotatoes produced in the Tarheel State.
The commission noted that Yencho has bridged the gap between the laboratory and the field through hands-on collaboration with growers. His research has provided North Carolina farmers access to cutting-edge resources that improve crop yields and enhance sustainability.
Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Yencho has provided invaluable knowledge and innovation to sweetpotato growers across the state. His leadership in developing improved
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
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.
The commission also chose a new slate of officers at the meeting.
Craig West of West Family Farms was re-elected as president, while Brent Leggett of Leggett Farming Partnership was elected vice president and Thomas Joyner of Nash Produce received another term as secretary/treasurer.
The remaining board of directors includes Richard Anderson of Anderson Farms, Jose “Pepe” Calderon of Barnes Farming/FarmPak, Sarah Carraway of Lancaster Farms, Rob Glover of Rob Glover Farms, Kim LeQuire of Kornegay Family Farms & Produce, Annette Starling of Millstream Farms, Scott Sullivan of Sullivan Farms, Trey Wilson of Ham Farms and Lyn Vick of Vick Family Farms.
“Our board is looking forward to a successful sweet year,” said 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.”
Founded in 1961, the Benson, North Carolina-based NCSC is a nonprofit made up of more than 300 sweetpotato producers, along with the packers and business associates that support them.
The commission is committed to supporting its growers and increasing sweetpotato consumption through education, promotional activities, research and horticultural practices.