In Texas, cowboys do not retire — they ride off into the sunset. John McClung, president and chief executive officer of the Texas International Produce Association since 1999 and a former United Fresh and national government official, recently packed his saddlebags and has officially turned over the reins of TIPA to Bret Erickson, who had already been serving in that capacity for the past year-plus.

Farmer’s Best International, based in Nogales, AZ, added RUBEN PENUNURI to its sales team on Nov. 11.

Lisa Inc. in Nogales, AZ, and the company’s growers in Mexico, put a lot of emphasis on food safety and related issues, according to Abraham Chavez Lichter, financial manager, who has been with the company for eight years.

“There are a lot of issues, and we are working on them,” he said. Currently “we have food-safety certification, food-security certification and traceback capability.”

Ciruli Bros. LLC in Nogales, AZ, has increased plantings of hot peppers in Los Mochis in northern Sinaloa, Mexico, but has held steady on other commodities, according to Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer.

The company is optimistically looking for a good season, he said, partly due to apparent improvements in the economic climate. “The stock market is doing better,” and the employment outlook is trending favorably, “so hopefully disposable income for people to shop more is out there.”

Prime Time Sales LLC in Coachella, CA, which specializes in bell peppers grown in both Mexico and the United States, first ran trials of mini-sweet peppers as an expansion of its line in mainland Mexico during the 2010-11 season, crossing the products into Nogales, AZ.

The trials went well, and the company increased production in 2011-12 and again in 2012-13, according to Mike Aiton, marketing manager.

The Georgia Watermelon Association is currently making plans for its annual meeting and watermelon queen competition to be held Jan. 24- 26 at the Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort in St. Simons, GA. The event offers exhibits, networking and recreational opportunities, and educational sessions designed to bring the most up-to-date and relevant information to the watermelon industry.