CONTENTS JANUARY 2025 16 Earth-first philosophy 6 Water saving tech 36 FEATURES 06 Sensory help Irrigation sensors save water in orchards 12 Ground resiliency Water conservation, sustainable practices improve land, plant health 14 H-2A rule blocked Courts find DOL rule unconstitutional 16 Earth-first philosophy Naturipe Farms employs practices to minimize environmental footprints 20 From seed to store How an agribusiness developed into a shopping destination in Southwest Florida Measuring success DEPARTMENTS 04 Editor's Letter 28 Business 30 Fresh Views 32 Veg Connections 36 Farm Market & Agritourism 38 Ag Labor Review 40 Classifieds 42 Ad Index On the Cover Squash is a popular product in Oakes Farms' retail operations. Photo courtesy of Seed to Table. PAGE 20 VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM | 3http://www.VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM