Two new web sites, a recipe contest and a new direction in the two-wheeler giveaway program at the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association highlight the group's upcoming promotional plans.

Tim Feit, director of promotions and consumer education for the Antigo, WI- based group, reviewed these and other promotions Aug. 31 with The Produce News.

Brianna Shales believes in putting her best foot forward. The 25-year-old communications specialist at Stemilt Growers Inc. keeps her running shoes laced up, skillfully negotiating her way through any obstacle course she confronts. "I just love being busy," she told The Produce News.

Close to 100 million households nationwide will get a closer look at Idaho- Eastern Oregon's "Big Onions" Sept. 24 and again Oct. 22 when “The Balancing Act” spotlights the onions in its “Farm to Plate” segment.

Broadcast on Lifetime Network, which currently holds the highest viewership of any women’s channel in the nation and targets more than 96 million households, “The Balancing Act” is hosted by Beth Troutman and Kristy Villa and is among the more popular morning programs.

SUN VALLEY, ID — While the Idaho potato industry is coming off a difficult year plagued by high volume and suppressed prices, there is optimism that a shorter crop will lead to better returns for growers. But a veteran retailer warned the industry that it must be proactive in maintaining and improving its standing among consumers.

The first shipload of Brazilian canary melons from Itaueira Farms in northeastern Brazil is expected to arrive on the East Coast of the United States Sept. 20, according to Rodrigo Lima, who handles the company's North American sales through Crown International USA LLC in Key Biscayne, FL.

Mr. Lima said that volume should be similar to last year, "but we don’t focus on volume, we focus on quality."