Josephine Hughes was instrumental in starting the Canino Produce Company in 1958 on Airline Drive in Houston, Texas. She worked tirelessly as the co-founder and co-owner of the company for 25 years. She was chairwoman of the Vegetable Day Celebrations that the Farmer's Market held for many years.

Josephine was an active member (and later was honored as a lifetime member) of the Texas Watermelon Association and the National Watermelon Association. She was the first female leader in the history of the National Watermelon Association. She won many first place ribbons for pecans that she and her husband Charlie harvested on their property in the Texas Hill country.

"She was one of the hardest working women that God ever put on this earth," said her daughter.