Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced a new round of appointments and reappointments to several state-level agriculture commodity boards. A number of county Farm Bureau members were named to board positions to help guide research, promotion, and outreach efforts for their respective commodity organizations.
Michigan Potato Industry Commission
Wayne Leep, an Allegan County Farm Bureau member from Martin, is the owner and farm manager at Countyline Potato Farm. Leep is appointed as an individual representing snack potato growers through July 2028.
Other commission members currently serving include:
- Travis Horkey, a Monroe County Farm Bureau member from Dundee
- Chase Young, Montcalm County Farm Bureau member from Howard City
- John Makarewicz, an Otsego County Farm Bureau member from Elmira
- Ryan Johnson, a Wexford County Farm Bureau member from Tustin
- Kali Bagley, of Waterford
- Ryan Pelletier, of McMillan
- Ryan Norton, of Vicksburg
- Michael Phillips, of Portage
The Michigan Potato Industry Commission was created to foster and promote an economically viable potato industry in Michigan by providing responsible leadership for the industry. The Commission provides leadership in disseminating information to foster the growth and well-being of the potato industry, all the while representing the interests of the industry at state, national, and international levels.
Michigan Onion Committee
Mark Nail, a Calhoun County Farm Bureau member from Marshall, is the owner of Mark Nail Farms and has over 20 years of experience growing onions, corn, and soybeans. Nail is reappointed to represent growers-at-large through August 2028.
Nate Brink of Grant is the farm manager at Brink Muck Farms. He previously worked as a field equipment specialist at Helena Agriculture Enterprises and holds a bachelor's in business administration from Lake Superior State University. Brink is appointed to represent growers-at-large.
James Young of Hastings is the technical sales manager at American Takii Seed Company. Young holds a degree in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University. He is reappointed to represent industry experts.
The three appointees will serve terms ending in August 2028.
Other committee members currently serving include:
- Bruce Klamer, a Kent County Farm Bureau member from Byron Center
- Michael Bosch of Hamilton
The Michigan Onion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of onions grown in Michigan as well as to assist in the agricultural research and development of onion farming.
Farm Produce Insurance Authority
James Howe, a Saginaw County Farm Bureau member from Frankenmuth, is the chief executive officer of Star of the West Milling Company. Howe is reappointed as a member recommended by the largest Michigan organization representing the interests of licensees. He will serve a term through June 2028.
Other board members currently serving include:
- Stephen Ewald, a Tuscola County Farm Bureau member from Unionville
- Gerald Heck, a Monroe County Farm Bureau member from Monroe
- Jason Haag, a Huron County Farm Bureau member from Unionville
- Jeanine Igle, an Ingham County Farm Bureau member from Mason
- Mark Kies, a Hillsdale County Farm Bureau member from Allen
- Terry Page, an Ionia County Farm Bureau member from Lyons
- Nichole Wilcox of Portland
The Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority is a ten-member board representing farmers, grain industry, and banking interests. The Authority has the responsibility of establishing, administering, and promoting the Farm Produce Insurance Fund.
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