The NC Sweetpotato Commission presented its 2026 Distinguished Service Award to Craig Yencho at the organization’s annual meeting held in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
The award recognizes those who have rendered outstanding service to North Carolina’s sweetpotato industry. Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Dr. Yencho has contributed invaluable knowledge to sweetpotato growers across the state, developing new cultivation techniques, improving pest management practices and innovating new varieties that have boosted both the quality and quantity of sweetpotatoes produced in North Carolina.
The commission noted that Dr. 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 directly improve crop yields and enhance sustainability.
The commission also elected a new slate of officers at the meeting. Craig West of West Family Farms, who served as vice president in 2024, was re-elected to another term and will serve as president. Brent Leggett of Leggett Farming Partnership was elected vice president, and Thomas Joyner of Nash Produce was selected to serve 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 NC Sweetpotato Commission is a nonprofit corporation 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 honorable horticultural practices among its producers.