The NC Sweetpotato Commission recently held its annual meeting in Goldsboro, NC, and honored Craig Yencho with its 2026 Distinguished Service Award. The commission also elected a new slate of officers. 

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.

The television set of their dreams will come to life for three fortunate winners in the 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest sweepstakes, who will be able to select any TV up to a $3,500 value as the grand prize.

To Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Supply Officer Joe Hurley the tremendous growth plans of the chain are what makes his job exciting. 

“That’s the fun part of store growth,” he said, likening it to a puzzle.

Amanda Solliday will join the American Floral Endowment as senior manager of Sustainabloom in January 2026.

A doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University, Solliday has supported AFE’s Sustainabloom program as a member of the research team working with Drs. Melinda Knuth and Brian Jackson. Through that collaboration, she has helped advance AFE’s goal of building a trusted sustainability education and resource program for the floriculture industry.

Stemilt Growers, owned and operated by the Mathison family, grows, packs and ships its “World Famous Fruit” across the globe. 

Apples are a core category for the company, having been a part of its history since 1914. Stemilt’s apple mix includes varieties to match every taste, from sweet to balanced to super tart. 

In the doldrums of winter, produce departments can be a bright spot of colorful entries in the Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest, sponsored each February-March by the Idaho Potato Commission.