Elanie Mason, who previously served as the Florida Watermelon Queen, will now take on the role of the watermelon industry’s official promotional ambassador for the next year after being named National Watermelon Queen at the recent National Watermelon Association 110th annual convention in Austin, TX.

BrightFarms is now shipping from its newest greenhouse in Macon, GA, which opened in late 2024. Spanning 1.5 million square feet once fully built, this facility — just a short drive from parent company Cox Enterprises in Atlanta — is transforming access to fresh, locally grown produce in Georgia. 

On the first day of its 2025 Floral Distribution Conference in Miami, the Wholesale Florist & Floral Supplier Association (WFFSA) announced the winners of its Breeder Excellence Award and Grower Excellence Award, as part of its new Floral Xcellence Awards, sponsored by Flowers of Colombia and Proflora 2025 by Asocolflores.

Throughout February, The United Family and Rainier Fruit joined forces to donate 5,000 pairs of socks to non-profit organizations across the state of Texas through the Apples and Pears on a Mission initiative. More than 30,000 pairs of socks have been donated through this program over the last six years.

FirstFruits Farms promoted Lon Hudson to the position of national sales director. With his extensive experience in sales and dedication to the company, Hudson will lead national sales efforts, driving strategic growth and strengthening relationships with retail partners across the country.

The National Watermelon Association announced a new partnership with JPH Law Firm, establishing an ongoing resource to help NWA members navigate the complexities of H-2A and other labor policies, laws and regulations.

Labor challenges continue to be one of the most pressing concerns for the agricultural industry, particularly as regulatory requirements evolve. This partnership ensures that NWA members have direct access to reliable legal counsel to help them remain compliant and informed.