December 2025 - Sweetpotato Speak

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Sweetp tato Speak

DECEMBER 2025 www.ncsweetpotatoes.com

NCSC staff

Executive Director

MICHELLE GRAINGER

Finance & Operations Specialist CINDY VANDERHOOF

Communications Specialist COCO DAUGHTRY

Intern

GRAYSON BRASWELL

communications@ncsweetpotatoes.com www.ncsweetpotatoes.com 700 E. Parrish Dr., Suite C Benson, NC 27504

TABLE CONTENTS Of

05 09 13

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Grainger

CAPITOL BRIEFS

A look at policy, and legislative happenings in both North Carolina & Washington D.C.

A TASTE OF HOME Domestic Promotion Activities

16 21

WORLD OF FLAVOR International Promotion Activities Around the Globe

MANAGING DIABETES DURING THE HOLIDAYS Sarah Schlichter, NCSC Registered Dietititan of Record GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES & THEIR IMPACT ON THE YOUR FARM Jason Davis, PhD, Assistant Dean - University of Mount Olive

32 34 24

RECIPE ROUND UP Just in time for the holidays!

NCSC CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 2025 - February 2026

In 1993, Mrs. Celia Batchelor's fourth-grade civics class at Elvie Elementary School in Wilson, NC was visited by Representative Gene Arnold from Wilson County. His visit inspired her students to become involved in their state government. These fourth-grade students, along with their parents and HOW DID THE BECOME THE STATE VEGETABLE? sweetpotato

teachers, began a letter-writing campaign to the State Legislature requesting that the sweetpotato be named as our state vegetable. With much excitement, the entire community became involved in the campaign. After two years of letter-writing and a lot of hard work, the bill passed in the General Assembly's summer session of 1995. At last the sensational sweetpotato was declared the Official Vegetable of the State of North Carolina! 03

LETTER from the

Executive Director

Dear Members of the NC Sweetpotato Commission,

By the time you receive this issue of Sweetpotato Speak, Thanksgiving 2025 will have just passed, and everyone will be focused on Christmas as well as planning for the 2026 season. I am writing this letter to you to tell how much we at the Commission respects you and all of the hard work and sacrifices you and your family make to ensure that this time every year there are beautiful sweetpotatoes available to be served on tables across the country. We take this respect to heart every single day as we work to not only increase consumer consumption of the NC sweetpotato, but in all of our other endeavors we engage in on behalf of the industry. An activity that has kept me particularly focused over the last 18 months, is that related to labor and the challenges of the H-2A program, specifically those related to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) rates and the Farm Labor Survey (FLS). Since we last together at the Annual Meeting of Members in Goldsboro in January 2025, many changes have taken place in this space. In an effort to provide you a snapshot of just a few of these activities, I have captured them in a timeline (of sorts) with an abbreviated explanation below. August 2024: FOIA Coalition formed in partnership with the Ga Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) This coalition was formed to represent growers and crops across numerous states with the intention of filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with the USDA to be provided transparency in how the Farm Labor Survey (FLS) is used and the AEWR rate is ultimately calculated.

September 2025: The efforts of the AEWR Coalition and the NC Sweetpotato Commission were recognized as I was invited to participate in two different panels at the Georgia Ag Labor Conference in Tifton, GA. September 2025: Official release of research conducted by Drs. Alexandra E. Hill and Phillip I. Martin of University of California, Berkeley and University of California at Davis respectively, where their report outlines the many challenges the current AEWR system poses to American producers. October 2, 2025: The US Department of Labor submitted an Interim Final Rule (IFR) radically changing how calculations of the AEWR are performed, capturing that the FLS is no longer able to be utilized and rates are more aligned with individual states and minimum wage versus a regional calculation that has been historically used. This IFR also came with an Open Comment period to the DOL with a deadline of 11:59pm EST, December 1, 2025. November 21, 2025: The United Farm Workers Union filed a lawsuit against the DOL’s IFR to block the Interim Final Rule and the newly adjusted AEWR hourly rates. December 2, 2025: I was invited to represent the Commission’s efforts on labor advocacy to speak at the Southeast Vegetable and Fruit Expo in Myrtle Beach, SC.

June 9, 2025 : The FOIA was filed with the USDA and at the time of filing it was representative of 30 total organizations, across 5 states, including two national organizations. June – July 2025: Extensive media coverage provided to the FOIA Coalition and our efforts to gaining transparency for AEWR calculations and the utilization of the FLS. Over 158 publications covered our efforts! June 16, 2025: The NC Chamber in partnership with several organizations including the GFVGA, released a commissioned study that Dr. Blake Brown put together detailing how there are economic flaws within the AEWR calculations. The report is available on the Chamber’s website and is entitled; A Broken Baseline: The Flawed Economics Behind AEWR Calculations. August 2025: The Commission formally joined efforts to also support the advocacy work that the NC Chamber is working on pertaining to Ag Labor.

August 26, 2025: The 2023 AEWR Rule was tossed by the court system and ruled to be vacated with immediate effect.

August 28, 2025: USDA Discontinued the Farm Labor Survey

It is clear that there is more advocacy and effort to be done. It is an honor to represent you and your family farm as I advocate for change to ensure future generations the ability to feed and clothe us all. This will be covered in further detail at the upcoming Annual Meeting of Members, January 15, 2026 at the Maxwell Center in Goldsboro, NC. I hope that you will join us. Note: At the time of this publication, the FOIA Coalition (now called the Ag Labor Coalition) has not received a formal response from the USDA to our FOIA filing, but our coalition has grown to over 35 organizations, including three national organizations and representing 8 states with a crop value of over $1 Trillion and 6.5 Million jobs. If you would like to learn more about our coalition and perhaps recommend other organizations to join, please feel free to contact me. michelle@ncsweetpotatoes.com

Michelle

CAPITOL briefs

John Cooper Connect C

By: John Cooper, Nathan Honaker & Brad Edwards

The North Carolina House and Senate have struggled to find consensus on important issues this year, resulting in a stalemate which has prevented passage of a state budget, Farm Act, and many other important legislative priorities. The General Assembly has been meeting briefly once each month since June, but very little has actually passed and been signed into law. While it is not unusual for the two chambers to disagree, in the past the leadership has been able to work together and find enough common ground to move forward. This year there is such a vast difference in policy priorities between the Senate Republican caucus and the House Republican caucus that it has halted any meaningful progress on the state budget bill and held up other legislation.

Brad Edwards Jenkins Hill Consulting

Nathan Honaker Connect C

The main issue which has prevented the budget from moving forward is tax policy. In 2023, our state budget bill included scheduled reductions in the personal income tax rate which were tied to revenue triggers. If the state revenues meet these triggers, the tax would be reduced by a quarter of a percentage point each year. The personal income tax is currently scheduled to drop to 3.99% in 2026 and could potentially reach 2.49% by 2029 if the triggers are met. Although both chambers agreed on this schedule in 2023, the House Republican Caucus wishes to re-evaluate the policy. Factoring in the scheduled income tax reductions, the non-partisan staff at the General Assembly is predicting a deficit in the next fiscal year and following years. Our state has run a surplus each year since Republicans took over the General Assembly in 2010, so the possibility of a deficit has resulted in the House Republican caucus to strongly advocate for pausing or slowing any income tax reductions. Senator Berger does not have any interest in revisiting the 2023 agreement and points out that year after year the state has greatly exceeded the revenue projections from the non-partisan staff. The Senate views any adjustment to the triggers as a tax increase, since it would likely result in cancelling the tax decrease. Unfortunately, a compromise on this issue has proved difficult, and so a state budget is extremely unlikely anytime soon. Our prediction is that we will not have a budget until May of 2026 at the very earliest. Raises for teachers and state employees, investments in healthcare infrastructure, funding for projects in members districts, and many other important items are delayed while we wait for the budget.

The 2025 Farm Act is likely to be renamed the 2025 2026 Farm Act, as it seems unlikely to pass this year. The General Assembly has one more scheduled Session in 2025 on December 15, but it is unknown whether the members will return to Raleigh for any votes. Initially, there were two controversial provisions in the bill – one dealing with raw milk and one limiting liability for pesticide companies who follow the labeling laws required by EPA. House of Representatives has been unwilling to move the Farm Act forward with a provision dealing with liability limitations for pesticide companies. Another controversial provision which would close loopholes and outlaw raw milk was agreed by both chambers to be removed. While the provision has the support of the North Carolina agricultural community (including our North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, Farm Bureau, the Agricultural Alliance of NC, and many others), objections from the trial lawyers and the “Make America Health Again” coalition have caused some members in the House caucus to be skeptical. There is also a United States Supreme Court decision which may resolve the issue, so some members wish to wait and see how the Supreme Court handles it before passing a state law.

Congress recently ended the longest ever government shutdown of 43 days, by passing a Continuing Resolution (CR) through January 30, 2026 to fund the government. Included in this agreement was the full year funding for FY2026 Appropriations for Agriculture, Legislative Branch and Military Construction (through September 30, 2026).Congress is addressing the remaining funding bills for FY 2026 and their intent is to address these legislative funding bills prior to January 30, 2026. The ACA subsidies from Obamacare are set to expire at the end of 2025 and Congress is attempting to address this issue with some other healthcare matters. If Congress can’t come to an agreement, there is a possibility that House/Senate leadership will address it through a process similar to the Big Beautiful Bill passed in July 2025 - Budget Reconciliation which requires simple majority votes to pass. In addition, they could include some Trade and tariff measures to codify the tariff proposals that the Trump Administration has temporarily put in place. A “slim” farm bill is unlikely at this time with most of the farm bill measures being addressed in the Big Beautiful bill and FY 2026 Agriculture appropriations passage.

your

PROMOTION COMMITTEE manages Retail Marketing Consumer PR Market Outreach Social Media & Influencer Collaboration Trade Advertising Food Service School Nutrition Recipe Devlopment Nutrtional Trade Shows & RD Collaboration

2025

Brenda Oglesby, Chair Pepe Calderon Rob Hill Jordan Jackson Thomas Joyner Kim LeQuire Taylor Rhodes-Hill Annette Starling Beth Taylor Charlotte Vick Stephanie Williams

NCDA ADVISORS Heather Lifsey Jeff Thomas

A TASTE

of home

By: Jen Velasquez; FullTilt Marketing

FullTilt Marketing partnered with Cowboy Jack for the NC Sweetpotato Commission in early October to bring North Carolina sweetpotatoes to life through a kid-friendly, multi episode “field to fork” educational series. Filmed over two production days on location across the state, the campaign captured engaging segments with growers, packing houses, university researchers, and Extension “ag-vocates” – covering everything from cultivation and harvesting to food safety, sorting technology, and nutrition. Episode 1 (farm visit and harvest overview) is now live, with additional episodes in post production, including a packing/sorting technology feature, research and Extension spotlights, and a cooking segment. Alongside the episodes, the team captured a robust bank of interviews and b-roll, with classroom-ready cutdowns planned to support teachers and parents. Early performance signals are strong: within the first 1–2 weeks, Episodes 1 and 2 have already generated over 1,000 watch hours (about 28 days of continuous viewing) with a 62% average view percentage—an encouraging indicator of retention and age-appropriate pacing. Parents have also shared positive anecdotal feedback, suggesting Cowboy Jack’s on-screen approach is resonating with family audiences and building trust. Next, distribution is expected to expand via pending placement on YouTube Kids and Yippee, which historically drives major viewership lifts for Cowboy Jack content, while the upcoming packing/sorting episode will lean into high-interest STEM themes to deepen engagement. Overall, the partnership advances grant goals by translating sweetpotato production into standards-aligned learning content, elevating farmer and researcher voices, and building a reusable content library for NC teachers and Extension beyond the campaign window.

SWEET SUCCESS: in Action NCSC

Since our June publication, the NCSC team has actively engaged consumers statewide through events such as the Wilson Tater Hogs baseball game and the Mountain State Fair Recipe Contest. We partnered with Ken Pecota from NC State’s Breeding Program And Garland Parker from Fresh Endeavors Consulting to film a series of educational videos at a Pittsboro grocery store. These videos highlight the benefits of sweetpotatoes and best practices for storage and merchandising to maximize sales. They will soon be available on our website for use by you and your sales teams when working with retail buyers. In October, we attended FNCE—the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo in Nashville, TN— connecting with over 7,500 nutrition professionals and launching our digital Pet Cookbook (scan the QR code to explore sweet treats for pets!). One of the year’s most memorable highlights was welcoming nine registered dietitians from across the country—along with two North Carolina FCS Extension Agents—for a weeklong farm tour. The experience featured hands-on planting demonstrations and a culinary challenge with Nash Community College students, creating meaningful connections and deepening appreciation for sweetpotatoes and the farm families who grow them.

We wrapped up the week with our 6th Annual FarmHER event, where Dr. Dawn Cavaness shared valuable insights on mental health and wellness. As part of the celebration, we hosted an auction benefiting the Pretty In Pink Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing lifesaving medical assistance to uninsured and underinsured breast cancer patients across North Carolina.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our growers, packers, shippers, and allied partners, the NC Sweetpotato Commission has contributed nearly $35,000 over the past five years. What an amazing way for our community to give back—and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Doggy Cookbook

Scan Here

FLAVOR

By: Conner Young, Liquid

It’s been a busy couple of months in the EU market, with strong results across all areas, new recipe development, the Anuga trade show in Germany, and planning for Fruit Logistica in February 2026. For social media channels, we have seen increases for all three markets (across all channels) with impressions rising above 1 million, 45k engagements, and a 4.3% engagement rate - a 121.6% increase on the previous period. Post link clicks also reached 20k, a 3,785% increase, reflecting our strategy success in driving traffic to the NC websites. Alongside planned and reactive organic activity, we have been running paid ads on Facebook and Instagram, focusing on meal prep with sweetpotatoes, the immune-boosting properties of sweetpotatoes, and positioning sweetpotatoes as the new orange vegetable for Halloween.

PR activity across all markets delivered a steady run of coverage and visual placements. Highlights included Sweetpotato Pancakes in Vegan Food & Living, The Batata cocktail in Gault & Millau, commentary on consumer trends in Fresh Produce Journal, Veggie wraps in Not Magazine, and a festive panettone in InsideKENT. Alongside these wins, we continued to issue seasonal recipe pitches for Halloween, Christmas, and Veganuary, responding to media enquiries, supplying visual content, and exploring outreach to podcasts and influencers. Our collaboration with Barber Communications helped strengthen German trade press visibility, securing coverage across Frucht Portal and Finanznachrichten.

In other news, our digital efforts have also achieved great results. We’ve been working on a range of new short-form blogs and more in-depth long pages. These have led to a 187% increase in organic search visitors, allowing more people to discover the versatility of sweetpotatoes. Along with this, our advertising continued to drive audiences toward the site. In total, these ads brought 57,000 new users to the new websites, with around 30,000 exploring recipes. The team also developed and shot 7 new Christmas recipes, including a sweetpotato and brie tart, and sweetpotato mince pies, and 4 new ‘health focused’ recipes for January, such as a sweetpotato one-pot with ginger and turmeric. The new content will be used in our upcoming activity through the next quarter. We have also been excited by our trade show activity, attending Anuga in Cologne, Germany, in October. NC sweetpotatoes were used as an ingredient in the Flavour Fusion Culinary Showdown, a competition including nine cooking battles, and marketing materials were shared to further raise awareness of NC sweetpotatoes. The team have also began planning for Fruit Logistica, a trade show for fresh produce business, taking place in Berlin, Germany, in February 2026. Finally, development chef Olivier delivered a culinary education seminar to Level 2 students at South & City College Birmingham. The session highlighted how sweetpotatoes can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, with students preparing sweetpotato and coconut soup, and sweetpotato with guacamole and chorizo. Looking ahead, we’re excited to share the new Christmas and health-focused recipes across our integrated marketing activity, attend Fruit Logistica in February, and continue momentum on the results seen across our approach so far.

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NEW FEATURED RECIPE Boxing Day Sweetpotato Toastie

Rob Hill Tull Hill Farms President

Brent Leggett Leggett Farming Partnership Vice President

Thomas Joyner Nash Produce Secretary-Treasurer

Pepe Calderon Farm Pak

Richard Anderson Anderson Farms

Sarah Carraway Lancaster Farms

2025 Board of Directors

Rob Glover Rob Glover Farms

Kim LeQuire Kornegay Family Farms and Produce

Annette Starling Millstream Farms

Scott Sullivan Sullivan Farms

Michael Wood J. Rowland Wood Farms

Lyn Vick Vick Family Farms

Get Involved!

NCSC COMMITTEES

Annual Meeting Planning Committee Jim Jones, Chair Craig West

Legislative Committee Rob Hill, President Brent Leggett, Vice President Thomas Joyer, US Council Delegate Kim LeQuire, At Large Member

Clay Gardner Brent Leggett Kim LeQuire Michael Wood

Promotions Committee Brenda Oglesby, Chair Heather Lifsey, Advisor Jeff Thomas, Advisor Vanessa Sprion, Advisor Pepe Calderon Jordan Jackson Thomas Joyner Stephanie Williams Charlotte Vick Kim LeQuire Annette Starling Taylor Hill Beth Taylor Research Committee Jim Jones, Chair Craig West

Crisis Management Team Kim LeQuire, Chair Thomas Joyner Dewey Scott Stephanie Williams Finance Committee Thomas Joyner, Chair Brent Leggett Kim LeQuire Sarah Carraway Craig West Michael Wood Nominating Committee Brent Leggett Jim Jones Vacant Heather Lifsey Seth Ballance

Clay Gardner Brent Leggett Kim LeQuire Michael Wood

MANAGING DIABETES HOLIDAYS during the

By Sarah Schlichter, MPH RDN Registered Dietitian for NCSC

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while it can be a joyous time with friends and family, it can also be a challenging time for people with diabetes, and those struggling to manage blood sugar levels. The good news is that with a few intentional strategies, it is entirely possible to enjoy your favorite holiday dishes, while also prioritizing health and blood sugar levels. As with any time of year, one meal will never make or break a diet. Health is made up of habits that accumulate over time. Hence, even in these busy holiday times, focusing on consistent healthy habits will be more powerful than what you choose to eat at one meal or snack. Furthermore, we know that being too restrictive can lead to overeating, so keeping a flexible mindset can be a helpful reminder that there is room for your favorite foods.

Build a Balanced Plate Making a “balanced” plate with all of the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat) is one of the best things that people can do when managing diabetes to ensure more stable blood sugar levels for longer. To do so, aim for about ½ your plate to be made with non-starchy veggies, ¼ plate with lean protein, and the remaining ¼ of your plate decorated with complex carbohydrates, like grains, sweetpotatoes or beans/lentils. These complex carbohydrates are important sources of fiber, and several other micronutrients. Sweetpotatoes also offer potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Note: The ratios of macronutrient groups may vary depending on weight, metabolic goals, exercise and other things, but the Diabetes Plate Method can be a great starting point.

Here are some tips on managing blood sugar over the holidays.

DIABETES MANAGEMENT CONTINUED

Be Mindful of Alcohol and Blood Sugar Staying hydrated throughout the day is another important step in managing blood sugar. Water is the best option for hydration. Alcohol can have an impact on blood sugar, too. According to the American Diabetes Association, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is actually one of the biggest concerns when drinking alcohol. To counteract this, try to avoid alcohol on an empty stomach, and instead pair that drink with your meal or a hearty snack. For non-alcoholic versions, choose simple swaps, like seltzer and fruit, or half-sweetened versions of cocktails or mocktails. Don’t Forget About Movement and Stress As we focus on healthy habits in general, try to make time to prioritize your movement habits, too. A short walk (even 10 minutes) after a meal can make a big difference in bringing blood sugars down, while also aiding in heart health and helping with stress management. If longer workouts don’t seem feasible, take short movement breaks when decorating for the holidays - have a dance break with kids, go for a short walk before or after eating, or prioritize that morning workout. While the holidays are exciting and full of memories, they can also be a source of major stress with everything involved. Remember, stress can impact blood sugar ( Source listed below), so finding ways to control the stress can make a big difference in how you feel. Practice a few different strategies for those stressful situations, such as a simple breathing technique, a quick walk, positive thinking, or a progressive muscle relaxation technique. In conclusion, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and one meal or snack can’t make or break your health. Keep up with your consistent habits, day in and day out, to feel your best this holiday season.

Have a Strategy for Parties and Buffetts Remember, the point is not to feel deprived during the holiday season. There is room to enjoy your favorite comfort foods and treats. A good habit to get into is eating a protein-rich snack before going to a party. This helps stabilize your blood sugar beforehand, avoiding those low blood sugar dips that then lead to sugar cravings. Protein also helps to fill you up, preventing you from showing up overly hungry. With this proactive change, you can then make more mindful decisions about what you choose to eat because you aren’t ravenous. Rather than eating everything, try to choose your favorites. If enjoying some dessert, pair it with some protein or fat, like nuts, cheese, or the meal itself, rather than enjoying the dessert only. This will help lessen any blood sugar spikes. Bonus tip: You can also take some dessert home to enjoy for later or the next day to avoid the “all or nothing” mindset!

SOURCES https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9561544/

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES their impact on your team &

By Jason Davis Assistant Dean University of Mount Olive

Let’s kick things off with a quick “Pop Culture” quiz.

Here are the answers, courtesy of my go-to Gen Z advisors, Anna and Caleb Davis:

See if you can fill in the blank or explain the meaning of these terms:

1. Bye Felicia – To dismiss someone of little importance 2. TBH – To be honest 3. IYKYK – If you know, you know (insider info) 4. I got the receipts – I have proof 5. Bet – Agreed, OK, or good 6. Tea – The gossip 7. No Cap – No lie 8. Main Character – The center of attention 9. Flex – To show off 10. Troll – To cause disruption If you found yourself scratching your head at a few of those pop culture terms, or if you’ve

1. Bye _____________________ 2. TBH 3. IYKYK 4. I got the receipts

5. Bet 6. Tea 7. No Cap 8. Main Character 9. Flex 10. Troll

Unless you have teenagers, work with young people, or are under the age of 29, you may have struggled with a few of these.

The Value of Knowing Who You're Leading As a business owner or operator, you’re always working to build a stronger team. That means developing people, encouraging collaboration, and setting everyone up to succeed. One of the best ways to do that is by understanding the characteristics each generation brings to the workplace. When you recognize what shaped their values, behaviors, and expectations, you can better connect with them and lean into their strengths.

been frustrated trying to connect with someone from a different age group, this might be a chance to step back and gain some perspective. That familiar narrative of an older gentleman airing his disdain for “kids these days” is practically a fixed stereotype. You’ve probably overheard it, or maybe even said it yourself: The truth is, each generation of Americans has been shaped by unique events and experiences during their formative years. Those moments aren’t just footnotes in history. They’ve helped shape who we are, how we work, how we build relationships, how we respond to adversity, and ultimately, how we see the world. For my parents’ generation, it was the Kennedy assassination, the moon landing, integration, and the Vietnam War. For my generation, it was the Challenger explosion, the end of the Cold War, and the advent of MTV. These defining experiences influence everything from communication styles to career expectations. And they’re at the heart of many generational disconnects we experience today. “Young people just don’t want to work.” “They don’t have the work ethic we had.”

Understanding Each Generation Let’s take a closer look at each generation and the broad traits often associated with them. These descriptions are generalizations, of course, but they offer helpful insight into what shaped your team members and how they might approach work, leadership, and communication. Traditionalists (also known as the Silent Generation) Born 1920–1945 Value clear chains of command and top-down leadership Highly respectful of authority Known for their perseverance and work ethic Famous mindset: “Never complain, never explain”

Baby Boomers Born 1946–1964

Embrace democratic workplace cultures Believe in equal opportunity and fairness Grew up during a time of major social change Often associated with the “peace and love” era

Generation X Born 1965–1975

Tend to be independent and self-reliant Grew up skeptical of systems and institutions Like efficiency, flexibility, and instant results Known for phrases like “If we don’t see it, it doesn’t exist”

Xennials Born 1976–1983

Bridge between analog and digital worlds Comfortable with or without technology Often described as tough and adaptable Many were “latchkey kids” who learned early independence

The best place to start is by being honest and genuine! Don’t try to be trendy or use language that isn’t natural to you. Chances are, they’ll see right through it. However, you can highlight what you offer beyond just a career, such as the chance to belong to a special group, experience unique opportunities, make a difference, find purpose, explore options, and grow as a transformative change agent. Often, younger individuals may have plenty of information at their fingertips thanks to the internet, but they still lack context and deeper understanding. Be ready to share the bigger picture and landscape, not just the immediate tasks at hand.

Now more than ever, internships and job-shadowing opportunities allow you to showcase the good work you're doing while also challenging them to grow and adapt. Create chances for different generations to come together and share ideas, skills, and knowledge through mentoring. Lean into the strengths of each generation to build group synergies. The hitch is, this is not a perfect system. You may see more frequent hopping from one opportunity to the next, so be prepared to repeat this process many times. Additionally, generational traits don’t always align perfectly with age. In rural or agricultural areas, for instance, people may lean more traditional due to close relationships with older generations. Someone born in the 1980s might carry values more typical of the Silent Generation, especially if they spent a lot of time with grandparents. In the long run, building a strong team isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about taking the time to understand the people around you. When we make that effort across generations, we end up with better teammates, better leaders, and a better place to work.

Get Involved!

NCSC COMMITTEES

Annual Meeting Planning Committee Jim Jones, Chair Craig West

Legislative Committee Rob Hill, President Brent Leggett, Vice President Thomas Joyer, US Council Delegate Kim LeQuire, At Large Member

Clay Gardner Brent Leggett Kim LeQuire Michael Wood

Promotions Committee Brenda Oglesby, Chair Heather Lifsey, Advisor Jeff Thomas, Advisor Vanessa Sprion, Advisor

Pepe Calderon Jordan Jackson Thomas Joyner Stephanie Williams Charlotte Vick Kim LeQuire Annette Starling Taylor Hill Beth Taylor Research Committee Jim Jones, Chair Craig West Moves up to 2" in either direction right or left Controlled by hydraulic cylinder to allow for adjustment on the move Available with 30" smooth disc blades 28" diameter coulter blades Lube fittings at all swivel/swing points for ease of operation and wear resistance Extra heavy duty contruction for long time use and reliability www.stricklandbros.com Clay Gardner Brent Leggett Kim LeQuire Michael Wood 8 ROW FOLDING SIDE SHIFT SWEETPOTATO FLIP PLOW

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2-INGREDIENT SWEETPOTATO FUDGE

Created for the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission by: Ayat Silman, RD

Ingredients

Preparation Time : 10 min

1 C cooked sweetpotato Melted dark chocolate chips

Total Time : 20 min

Servings : 6

Instructions 1. Wash sweetpotato, pierce with a fork 5 times, microwave for 5 to 8 minutes (flipping once midway), until tender. 2. Put chocolate in microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until smooth. 3. Add 1 cup cooked sweetpotato (no skin) and melted chocolate to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. 4. Form into 16 balls and refrigerate for 1 hour, to set the chocolate. 5. Keep in the fridge in a covered container for up to 7 days.

RECIPE ROUNDUP

2-INGREDIENT SWEETPOTATO FUDGE

Created for the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission by: DJ Blatner, RD

Ingredients

Preparation Time : 10 min

1 medium sweetpotato peeled, cooked, and mashed 1 cup 2% cottage cheese 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Instructions 1. Blend: Add 1/2 cup mashed sweetpotato, cottage cheese, and taco seasoning to a blender. Blend until smooth. Total Time : 20 min Servings : 6

2. Heat: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over low until warm.

3. Stir: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

4. Serve: Enjoy as a warm dip with tortilla chips or fresh veggies, or spoon over a burrito bowl or taco salad.

RECIPE ROUNDUP

UPCOMING

Events

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

09 BOD Meeting NCSC HQ, Benson 6:00PM

National Sweetpotato Month

NCSC Office Closed

9-12

Promotions Committee Meeting 1:00 PM NCSC HQ

ARE YOU FOLLOWING US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Scotts Valley, CA

04-06

Promotions Committee Meeting 1:00 PM NCSC HQ 17

Annual Meeting Maxwell Center Goldsboro 8:00 AM

Fruit Logistica Berlin, Germany

18-21

24-25

BOD Meeting NCSC HQ, Benson 6:00PM

USSP Council National Convention Ft. Worth, TX

Merry Christmas NCSC HQ Closed

25 Promotions

ASPMI BOD Meeting Ft. Worth, TX

Committee Meeting 1:00 PM NCSC HQ

@ncsweetpotatoes

NC Sweetpotato Commission 700 E. Parrish Dr. Suite C Benson, NC 27504

919.894.1067 ncsweetpotatoes.com

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