Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of several Michigan Farm Bureau members to the Michigan Apple Committee and Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.
Michigan Apple Committee
Gregory Kugel, a Berrien County Farm Bureau member from Niles, is the CEO of Kugel Farms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Kugel was reappointed to represent District 1.
James Engelsma, an Ottawa County Farm Bureau member from Grand Rapids, is a location manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions and the president of Engelsma’s Apple Barn. He was appointed to represent District 2 and succeeds fellow Ottawa County Farm Bureau member Michael Dietrich, whose term expired.
Eric Roossinck, a Newaygo County Farm Bureau member from Fremont, is the CEO and CFO of Roossinck Fruit Storage and Orchards. He holds an associate degree in business from Muskegon Community College and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. Roossinck was reappointed to represent District 3.
The three appointees will serve terms through April 2029.
The Michigan Apple Committee is dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan's fresh and processed apple industries. The Committee coordinates market development, educational activities, and research that benefits the 1,000 family apple growers in Michigan through improved profitability, ensuring the continued success of this sector of Michigan agriculture.
Michigan Tree Fruit Commission
Scott Hassle, a Cass County Farm Bureau member from Decatur, is a second-generation farmer and partner of Berrybrook Enterprises. He holds an associate’s degree in agribusiness from Michigan State University. Hassle was reappointed to represent District 2 growers.
Adam Brauer, a Kent County Farm Bureau member from Grand Rapids, is a farm manager and chef at Schwallier's Country Basket. He attended Grand Rapids Community College and Central Michigan University. Brauer was reappointed to represent District 2 growers.
Bruce Veliquette, of Rapid City, is the manager of Cherry Ke Inc., growing 2,500 acres of cherries. He is a graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio. Veliquette was reappointed to represent District 1 growers.
The three appointees will serve terms through March 2029.
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.