Ham Farms
Ham Farms: A Leader in Sweet Potatoes
Location: Snow Hill, North Carolina
If there were a "Sweet Potato Capital of the World," it would be Snow Hill, North Carolina, and if there were a "Sweet Potato Man," it would be Bobby Ham. For over 40 years, the Ham Family has been committed to growing, packing, shipping, and processing the finest sweet potatoes and sweet potato products on the market. Ham Farms distributes locally, nationally, and even exports to over 16 countries worldwide. Regardless of the destination, they take pride in delivering high-quality products from their family farm to tables everywhere.
What Makes Ham Farms Unique?
Ham Farms is dedicated to utilizing every sweet potato grown in its fields, ensuring minimal waste. Their commitment includes:
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Providing surplus sweet potatoes to food banks.
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Supplying processors for sweet potato chips and fries.
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Contributing to their Yamco facility, which produces puree ingredients and baby food.
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Processing sweet potatoes at Natural Blend Vegetable Dehydration (NBVD) for pet treats and other ingredients.
NBVD can dehydrate sweet potatoes into pellets, chews, flour, cubes, and dices. Additionally, Yamco repurposes misfit sweet potatoes into sweet potato vodka under the brand Covington Spirits.
Note: The NBVD facility is currently closed for repairs and upgrades until Q3 2025. Shameless Pets previously sourced dried sweet potatoes from them.
Sourcing & Specifications
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Misfit or Surplus: Misfits and sort-outs, categorized as upcycled (see details below).
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Specification: USDA Food Grade, Processing Grade.
Why Do We Like This Ingredient?
Ham Farms operates as a vertically integrated company, managing everything from growing to finished products. They own their own farms and also collaborate with other local sweet potato growers. Their rich farming heritage has expanded to include value-added products, making them a strong partner with a great farmer story. Plus, they’re great people to work with!
Why Are Their Sweet Potatoes Considered 'Upcycled'?
Upcycled ingredients from Ham Farms are classified as #2 grade, also known as processing grade or misfits. These sweet potatoes do not meet the visual standards required for wholesale, retail, or restaurant distribution but remain perfectly usable and edible. Common characteristics of these potatoes include:
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Small size
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Crooked shape
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Skinned areas
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Broken ends
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Superficial insect damage
These potatoes are free from soft rot and internal damage, making them ideal for processing into a variety of products rather than going to waste.
Sustainability Practices
Ham Farms prioritizes sustainability as a fundamental aspect of its business. Their approach includes:
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Two processing facilities and a compost program that allow them to minimize waste.
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Utilizing 100% of the sweet potatoes they grow, either for fresh sales, processing, or compost.
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A detailed system that ensures every crop is harvested, sorted, and directed to the most appropriate use, whether for fresh retail, processed products, or composting.
Other Brands Sourcing from This Farm
Ham Farms does not disclose information about other companies sourcing from them. Shameless Pets has a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place with Ham Farms.
Additional Insights from Ham Farms
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Ham Farms primarily grows Covington Sweet Potatoes, known for their bright orange color, sweet flavor, and excellent health benefits.
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Compared to white potatoes, Covington Sweet Potatoes have fewer calories, carbs, and starch, while providing over 1,000 times more Vitamin A.
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The company grows both organic and conventional sweet potatoes.
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Packing capabilities include boxes, bags, microwavable singles, trays, and steamable bags, ensuring flexibility for different customer needs.
With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, Ham Farms continues to be a leader in the sweet potato industry.
