Melons

Members named to watermelon board

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed 13 members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. All of the appointees' terms will begin Jan. 1, 2015, and end Dec. 31, 2017.New members include: Katelyn Kelly... more »

Waterjet cutting shows promise for produce items

The use of high-pressure jets of water as a way to cut produce may be beginning to emerge as an alternative for fresh-cut processors.The technology for waterjet cutting has been around for decades, first appearing... more »

EPA approves registration of Nimitz nematicide

Nimitz, a non-fumigant nematicide produced by Adama, has received federal registration from EPA.According to a company news release, the active ingredient in Nimitz has a mode of action that categorizes the product within a new... more »

Farm finds u-pick strawberry niche

When the economy changed a few years ago, Darin and Jessica Jones decided to get out of the residential grading and hauling business and into farming. It was a big leap, but the couple wasn't... more »

Nebraska grower wants H-2A fix

Andy Daniels has seen enough.The Columbus, Nebraska, vegetable grower has tried everything he can think of to ward off obstacles being erected by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) officials, who are making it difficult to... more »

USDA seeks watermelon board nominees

USDA is seeking nominations for the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Applications for 13 open seats are due by June 2.The 37-member board includes producers, first handlers and importers nominated by their peers, and one member... more »

Voters amend watermelon plan

USDA has announced that watermelon producers, handlers and importers have voted to amend the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan importer eligibility requirements for service on the National Watermelon Promotion Board.USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service conducted the... more »

Watermelon board members appointed

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed 13 members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board on Jan. 14. Appointments began immediately.Newly appointed board members, serving three-year terms of office, include producers Autumn Freeman of Bruceville,... more »