melons
UF new host for major plant breeding accelerator program
The University of Florida (UF) is the new home for a plant breeding improvement program. Breeding Insight (BI) is a USDA Agricultural Research Service-funded program that supports public breeding efforts via more than 61 USDA... more »
JDI’s Racing for melons: From the fields to the finish line
Ross Chastain is known for being a top racer on the NASCAR circuit, driving the No. 1 Chevrolet ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing, among others. Behind the wheel, he’s got a background that fuels his competitive... more »
Texas Watermelon Association refreshes website
The Texas Watermelon Association (TWA), a voice for watermelon growers and shippers across the Lone Star State, has refreshed its brand identity, including a bold new logo and redesigned website at texaswatermelons.com. As a top... more »
Growers appointed to Farm Service agencies
Two vegetable growers — including a farm market founder — have been named to head state Farm Service Agencies (FSA). Alaska vegetable, onion and melon grower Arthur Keyes was appointed executive director of the Alaska’s... more »
UGA trials examine watermelon variety performance
With consumers going from seeded to seedless watermelons and desiring darker rinds and smaller size melons, breeders are upping their game and producing better varieties that aren’t seeded, too big or light- skinned and possess... more »
Watermelon leader Buddy Leger dies
Buddy Leger Charles M. “Buddy” Leger, a major U.S. watermelon and pecan grower, has died. He was 92. Leger co-founded Leger & Son, based in Cordele, Georgia. Leger, who was also a leading figure in... more »
Kemp McLeod earns 2025 Mr. Peach award for leadership in peach growing operations
One of South Carolina's largest peach growing operations received top recognition on January 11. Kemp McLeod, owner of McLeod Farms in McBee, was named 2025's Mr. Peach. The honor was presented during an awards breakfast... more »
Cattail Organics grows community through organic fruit production
From vegetables and melons to herbs and maple syrup, Cattail Organics in north-central Wisconsin has built its success on sustainability and organic fruit production. Owner Katrina Becker has long been draw to agriculture and founded... more »
Stevenson’s Strawberries
Stevenson’s Strawberries began with one acre and almost five decades later is one of the most popular strawberry and pumpkin farms in Wayne, Maine, now growing 130 acres. It was back in the late 1970s... more »
Organic Grower Summit to tackle improving soil health
In 1985, a decade or so after he started farming, Scott Park realized something had to change. “We started realizing that our ground was kind of just getting dead on us,” Park said, “and we... more »
Current Issue
Big apple: Large 2025-26 apple crop forecast
IFTA summer tour shows Canadian tree fruit methods
Shifting labor landscape: Actions spark optimism for long-term reform
Strong connections and innovation at the 2025 Great Lakes EXPO
Hanulcik Farm Market & Orchard’s central Michigan fruit heritage
Farm Market & Agritourism: What to do when market fluctuation affects prices
Ag Labor Review: H-2A wages: market vs. mandate
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