South Central

South Texas Onion Committee seeks new members

The South Texas Onion Committee (STOC) is looking for industry members to participate in its decision making. The producer and handler nominees seats are for Districts 1, the Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley region,... more »

Viva Fresh registration opening

Registration for the 2023 Viva Fresh Expo is scheduled to open on Jan. 25. Sponsored by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), the event is being billed as “Bigger, Bolder, Fresher and Better than ever,”... more »

Local Bounti opens Texas CEA facility

Construction of Local Bounti Corp.’s latest greenhouse in northeast Texas signals the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operator’s commitment to reduce food miles throughout the U.S., according to a news release. On Jan. 4, Local Bounti... more »

Texas onion growers renew federal marketing order

Growers of south Texas onions have approved continuation of their federal marketing order. The vote reverses a past referendum that failed to achieve required majority for continuation. Through a 78.6% vote, growers favored continuing the federal... more »

2023 Viva Fresh expo keynote speaker named

Organizers of the 2023 Viva Fresh Produce Expo have named their keynote speaker. Charlie Rocket, who lost weight and improved his life by eating more fruits and vegetables, will be the featured speaker. [caption id="attachment_30783"... more »

South Texas produce vet Marvin Davis dies

Longtime produce industry veteran Marvin Yale Davis, the founder of Tex-Mex Sales LLC, a Weslaco, Texas, grower-shipper of onions, vegetables and melons, died Oct. 31. Davis, 84, passed peacefully and leaves a legacy of loved... more »

LSU breeder LaBonte sets the sweet potato standard

With each new variety from the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter sweet potato program, plant breeder Don LaBonte raises the bar for subsequent releases. For an advanced line to be considered for commercialization, it must... more »

Tips for managing common pumpkin pests

With pumpkin season kicking off, Univeristy of Arkansas Extension Specialist Aaron Cato is sharing recommendations for managing common pumpkin pests. In addition to the recommendations below, please consult the Southeastern Vegetable IPM Handbook for more... more »