Maurice Carl Kophamer, a retired Kern County (CA) farmer, died July 14 at his home in Lookout Mountain, GA. He was 91 years old.

Mr. Kophamer began his farming career on leased ground around the Santa Anita Race Track. He was a pioneer in the development of vegetables grown in Kern County.

BENTON HARBOR, MI —Michigan’s vegetable crops are flourishing this summer, according to Oliver Wolfe, a partner with his wife, Judy, in Above All Produce Inc., located on the Benton Harbor Fruit Market, here.

The Wolfes had started shipping Michigan melons and grape tomatoes in mid-July, while Romas kicked off July 26 and round tomatoes began Aug 1. Eggplant and other commodities were set to start in August as well.  

Tater Man, a sweet potato grower located in Sydney, FL, began harvesting product in southern Alabama and northern Florida in late July.

Jason Bell, account manager for Tater Man, told The Produce News, “We started harvesting in both areas within the last 10 days of July. Shipments of cured sweet potatoes started toward the end of last week.

A workshop that focuses on the Produce Traceability Initiative will be held Sept. 19 in Miami, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about industry wide traceability requirements from some of the top experts in the field.

The workshop, which is being organized by the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, is open to all produce categories and will take place at the Double Tree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami.

Hudsonville, MI-based Superior Sales Inc. is partnering with J&R Baker Farms out of Norman Park, GA.

With the addition of this successful grower,  Superior will be closing the gap on year-round supply.

“It has been a long time coming and we are excited to partner with Jerod and Rodney Baker," Randy Vande Guchte, president of Superior Sales, said in a press release.

Superior Sales will start with J&R Baker Farms around Sept. 15 and will feature "Superior" brand corn, cabbage, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, squash and assorted greens.

North American Produce Buyers Ltd. is having its most successful year ever, and one reason is a joint venture the company entered into two years ago.

The family-owned business prides itself not only on family values like integrity and honesty, but also on an ability to adapt to changing needs in the industry.