In this episode of Freshly Picked, we’re taking a deep dive into the farm-to-table journey of Mississippi's specialty crops, focusing on how these fall favorites—sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and more—go from seed to fork. Host Claude Nash is joined by two special guests: Guillermo "Billy" Salinas of Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship and owner of Just Vanilla Bake Shop, and Natasha Haynes, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the MSU Extension Service.

Together, they explore the versatility of specialty crops in seasonal baking and everyday cooking, sharing tips on incorporating healthy, locally sourced ingredients into our diets. From behind-the-scenes stories at Billy’s bakery to Natasha’s expert advice on supporting local agriculture, this episode is packed with insights on how to make the most of Mississippi’s homegrown treasures.

Whether you're a food lover, a farmer, or simply curious about the local food scene, tune in to discover how these vibrant crops make it from Mississippi farms to our tables, and why they are key to our state’s agricultural success.