Governor Whitmer recently announced the appointment of several Farm Bureau members to various agricultural commodity boards in Michigan. These boards play a crucial role in promoting research, education, and outreach for their respective industries.
Michigan Asparagus Marketing Advisory Board:
- Kevin Burmeister (Oceana County): Reappointed to represent growers-at-large, Burmeister is a third-generation grower with extensive experience in chemical application and personnel management.
- Scott Hassle (Cass County): Reappointed to represent southern Michigan growers-at-large, Hassle has experience on the Michigan Apple Committee and Michigan State Horticultural Society.
- Nick Oomen (Oceana County): Reappointed to represent growers-at-large, Oomen is a third-generation farmer who grows asparagus, tart cherries, and vegetables.
- William Schwass (Mason County): Reappointed to represent growers-at-large, Schwass has nearly 40 years of experience in the vegetable industry and operates a large vegetable and grain operation.
- Steve Riley (Oceana County): Appointed to represent growers-at-large, Riley is responsible for asparagus production and recently built a new asparagus receiving station.
Michigan Bean Commission:
- Stephen Ewald (Tuscola County): Reappointed to represent growers-at-large, Ewald is president of Ewald Farms, Inc., and chair of the Organic Farmers of Michigan Board.
- Ted Bauer (Reese): Reappointed to represent district 2, Bauer is the fifth-generation owner of Laracha Farms and serves as chairman of the Bayside Beans labor board.
Michigan Blueberry Commission:
- Becky Hotovy (Van Buren County): Appointed to represent district 1, Hotovy is COO of First Pick Farms LLC and manages daily operations.
Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee:
- Jeremy Beebe (Ogemaw County): Reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, Beebe is a first-generation dairy farmer and owner of Double B Dairy, LLC.
- B.J. Eisenga, Jr. (Osceola County): Reappointed to represent the Dairy Farmers of America, Eisenga manages and owns Midget Mountain Dairy, LLC, a 200-head dairy operation.
- Carol Marz-Evans (Hillsdale County): Reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, Marz-Evans is manager of Evans Dairy Farm and a member of the Michigan Shorthorn Breeders Association.
- Bryan Hull (Clinton County): Reappointed to represent the Dairy Farmers of America, Hull owns Hull Dairy Farm, LLC, and milks 215 cows on their 500-acre farm.
- Brian Preston (Branch County): Reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association, Preston is a member of Preston Dairy, LLC, and serves as their Local and District Chair.
Michigan Soybean Committee:
- Nathan McCalla (Washtenaw County): Appointed to represent District 3, McCalla farms alongside his father and brother, growing soybeans, corn, wheat, pumpkins, and hay.
- Sara Trattles (St. Joseph County): Appointed to represent District 1, Trattles is Vice President of Agribusiness Lending at GreenStone Farm Credit Services and grows soybeans, corn, seed corn, and alfalfa on her farm.
Categories: Michigan, Business