The Southeast Produce Council is highlighting the latest industry innovation and insights at its upcoming Southern Innovations Conference held in Nashville, TN, Sept. 22-24.

As the dog days of summer start to give way to the crisp fall season, R&R Flaim Farms/Next Generation Produce is looking forward to the transition of its vegetable crops.

Ryan Flaim, a fourth-generation member of the family-owned farm located in Vineland, NJ, said the summer was exceptionally dry, “one of the driest I’ve seen in years, but summer crops like that, as long as you keep up on irrigation, which we do.” He added that he prefers a year like this one as opposed to summers with heavy rainfall.

One thing is for certain about New Jersey, it definitely has earned its nickname of the Garden State.

SUN VALLEY, ID — Jamey Higham brings a wealth of potato knowledge and management experience to his role as president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission. In his first year at the helm of the IPC, Higham has vowed to take a thoughtful approach to the IPC’s operations and increase communication with its members.

Higham, who joined the IPC in January, detailed his vision for the IPC at the industry breakfast Aug. 25 during the 94th annual Idaho Grower Shipper Association convention, here.

Rebecca Calvin is the next senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Stater Bros. Markets, succeeding current Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Dennis McIntyre. Calvin will report to CEO Pete Van Helden and serve on the company’s executive leadership team. She will begin her new role on Sept. 26.