CONTENTS SMALL FRUIT VARIETY ISSUE | DECEMBER 2024 10 Best watermelon varieties 18 Cucumber powerhouse FEATURES 06 Talking Tech New app innovations aid growers 08 Investing in your plant health The hardiness of your plants is good for your bottom line 10 Watermelon tests Extension trials best performing varieties 14 From farm to can Pacific Coast Producers focuses on sustainability 18 Cucumber powerhouse Hartung's 50 years of growing 24 Maximizing crop yield, sustainability at the Great Lakes EXPO Learn about sustainable farming and advanced crop management techniques SPECIAL SECTIONS 27 Introducing the 35 2025 VGN Buyers Guide DEPARTMENTS 04 Editor's Letter 54 Veg Connections 56 Farm Market & Agritourism 58 Ag Labor Review 60 Business 62 Industry News 63 Events 64 Classifieds 66 Ad Index Class of 2024 On the Cover Newly transplanted tomato plants in open field conditions at Clinton, North Carolina. Photo by Emmanuel Torres. PAGE 24 VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM | 3http://www.VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM