Vegetables by Bayer and its Seminis seed brand signed an agreement to sponsor watermelon grower and NASCAR driver Ross Chastain. The sponsorship was officially kicked off this past weekend at the June 5 NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.

The partnership between Seminis and Chastain is an ideal match. Chastain, an eighth-generation watermelon grower, who’s also known as The Melon Man on the circuit, knows about hard work, intense pressure and the importance of high performance — both on the track and in the field. That’s something both Seminis and Bayer

Ten Acre Marketing hired experienced creative professional Tricia Benedetto as its creative director. Most recently Benedetto led creative departments within food, giving and entertainment agencies. Her experience was forged through early career opportunities working with creative icons Milton Glaser and Ralph Lauren in New York City.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Tricia join our expanding team," said Leah Halverson, CEO of Ten Acre. "She brings a brand-new perspective to the visual language of food and agriculture. Her wide range of experience across many industries outside of agriculture

The Texas International Produce Association has added three new members to its board of directors: Travis Catalani, Anna Lopez and retail and Cory Oliver.

Catalani started his full-time career at B. Catalani 14 years ago, but TIPA said he has grown up around produce his entire life. The company was founded in 1914 and Catalani is the fourth generation to continue the family business. “I have known since I was 12 years old that this is what I wanted to do," he said. "I am passionate about the industry and honored to be able to serve in this role for TIPA.”

Lopez recently assumed the role of

SpartanNash announced the addition of Greg Crane as vice president of finance for food distribution. Crane will serve as finance business partner to Bennett Morgan, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer, and support the food distribution leadership team.

Crane's role includes leadership over budgeting, forecasting, monthly results analysis and risk and opportunity assessment activities for the food distribution business. Additionally, he will provide thought leadership and financial guidance on both broad strategic initiatives and day-to-day opportunities to improve

Litehouse Inc. announced a multi-year partnership with professional golfer Justin Lower, a member of the 2022 PGA Tour. The partnership with Lower marks the brand’s first athletic sponsorship.

As an employee-owned company, Litehouse Inc. is driven by its mission to positively impact local communities, which is demonstrated through the company’s core values: integrity, stewardship, accountability and a commitment to excellence — values that Lower embodies on and off the golf course.

“Justin Lower is a phenomenal athlete with an equally impressive heart,” said Kelly Prior, president and CEO of

Western Growers Insurance Services announced Ed McClements as the new senior vice president of large group sales.

McClements has over 45 years of employee benefits experience and 32 years working in the agricultural marketplace. McClements has been immersed in large group sales throughout his career and has a notable history of experience in the design and ongoing operation of customized employee benefit programs for employers with large workforces.

"In response to the ever-changing marketplace and the needs of our members, Western Growers Assurance Trust has created a large group strategy