May 10, 2022
Appointments made to Michigan Cherry Committee, Tree Fruit Commission

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the following appointments to the Michigan Cherry Committee and Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.

Michigan Cherry Committee

Dave Hackert, of Ludington, is the vice president of Indian Summer Co-op where he oversees farm and process operations and coordinates with growers. Hackert is appointed to represent District 2 sweet cherry growers for a term commencing April 26, 2022 and expiring February 1, 2025. He succeeds Daryl Peterson whose term expired Feb. 1, 2022. 

Caleb Herrygers, of Hart, is the operations manager for Herrygers Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness Management with a specialty in Food and Industry Management from Michigan State University. Herrygers is appointed to represent District 2 tart cherry growers for a term commencing April 26, 2022 and expiring Feb. 1, 2025. He succeeds Michael DeRuiter whose term expired Feb. 1, 2022. 

Marc Willmeng, of Watervliet, is the owner and manager at Marc Willmeng Farms,LLC. He holds a Certificate in Hospitality Management from Cape Coral Technical College. Willmeng is appointed to represent District 3 tart cherry growers for a term commencing April 26, 2022 and expiring Feb. 1, 2025. He succeeds Joseph Muvrin whose term expired Feb. 1, 2022. 

The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Tree Fruit Commission

Mark A. Miezio, of Suttons Bay, is the president of Cherry Bay Orchards. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Miezio is reappointed to represent District 1 growers for a term commencing April 26, 2022 and expiring March 1, 2025.

Daniel A. Dietrich, of Conklin, is the owner of Ridgeview Farms, a farm operated through family-owned Dietrich Orchards. Dietrich is appointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing April 26, 2022 and expiring March 1, 2025. He succeeds Michael VanAgtmael whose term expired March 1, 2022.

Gerrit Herrygers, of Hart, is the lead sales representative and certified crop advisor for Wilbur-Ellis Co. and the crop manager for Herrygers Farms. He holds a bachelor of science degree in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University. Herrygers is appointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing April 26, 2022 and expiring March 1, 2025. He succeeds Jim Engelsma whose term expired March 1, 2022.

The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission was created pursuant to the Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act for the purpose of improving the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.   




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