A new era began at the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association (MACMA) on April 27 when Andrea Herrygers began as the MFB affiliate company’s new general manager. The Oceana County native succeeds Dawn Drake following her 46-year tenure with the organization that negotiates collective processing prices for Michigan apples and asparagus.
As general manager, Herrygers will serve the Michigan Processing Apple Growers Marketing Committee and work closely with Nick Nadai to support MACMA’s Michigan Asparagus Growers Division.
These committees meet with processors regularly to discuss industry news, challenges and events that contribute to the bottom line for members and processors alike. From negotiating minimum processing price for crops, to locating out-of-state markets, securing processing sales, bonus buys, and more, MACMA has been a collective voice in solving issues and driving impact for our growers since its start in 1961.
“I look forward to the opportunity to represent growers’ interests, enhance their business potential, and strengthen Michigan agriculture,” Herrygers said.
Raised on a row crop farm in Huron County, she earned her degree in agribusiness management from Michigan State University, then moved to the west side, where she fell for the resilient and adaptive fruit and vegetable industry.
Not exactly new to Farm Bureau, Herrygers worked as a life, property and casualty sub-agent with the Forner Agency in Hart for three years. For the past eight years with Nestle USA, she’s taken on increasing responsibility with growers, suppliers, factories and service providers. She led a nationwide raw apple and pear procurement strategy, and as a fruit buyer has touched every aspect of the supply chain, managing decisions from farm to factory and advising business directions that directly affect consumers.
Outside work she enjoys time with her husband Caleb and their three sons, coaching youth soccer.