Teichman replaces Winkel on Michigan Tree Fruit Commission

The Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm of Eau Claire, Michigan, has been farmed by the same family for decades and once again a key player from that family has achieved a top flight position in the world of Michigan agriculture.

According to a report by Pat Moody of Moody on the Market, Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Tree-Mendus owner William Teichman of Eau Claire and the reappointed  James Nugent of Suttons Bay and Christopher Kropf of Lowell to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.

The nine-member commission was established by growers in 2014 to improve the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry.

“I thank these individuals for their commitment to enhance Michigan’s tree fruit industry,” Snyder said.

Teichman owns the third-generation farm and has farmed there for 40 years. The Tree-Mendus legacy dates back to its origins in the 1920s. Tree-Mendus Farm includes 40 acres of apples, 20 acres of sweet cherries, 25 acres of tart cherries, four acres of plums and two acres of pears. Teichman will represent fruit growers and replace Rodney Winkel, who retires from his role on the commission.

The Teichmans are no strangers to agricultural leadership following in the footsteps of Bill’s father Herb and even Bill’s wife, Monica, who last winter was named the first woman to head up the Michigan State Horticultural Society. You can read that story by clicking the link below.

In addition to Bill Teichman’s appointment, Snyder also re-appointed Nugent and Kropf. Here is more on them:

James Nugent is the partner/operator of Sunblossom Orchards where he has more than 40 acres of cherries. He previously served as a district horticultural agent for Michigan State University Extension and as coordinator of the MSU Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station. Nugent holds both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from MSU. He will continue to represent fruit growers.

Kropf is the owner of Hart Farm and is a sales representative for Valent USA. He is a member of the International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association, the Northwest Fruit Testers Association and the Michigan State Horticultural Society. Kropf holds an associate’s degree in horticulture from Wenatchee Valley College and a technology certificate in fruit/vegetable production from MSU. He will continue to represent fruit growers.

Members will serve three-year terms expiring March 1, 2021. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate.