Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of several Michigan Farm Bureau members to the state’s bean commission, dairy market committee, farm produce insurance authority, and the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Michigan Bean Commission
Kevin Noffsinger, an Arenac County Farm Bureau member from Pinconning, was reappointed to represent District 1 growers. He is the owner and operator of Kevin Noffsinger Farms and holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering technology from Michigan State University.
Jessica Rader, a Montcalm County Farm Bureau member from Lakeview, is reappointed to represent District 7 growers. She is a non-GMO specialist at Star of the West Milling Co and a grower of dry beans on Rader Farms. Rader was previously a territory seed representative at Wilbur-Ellis Co and holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Michigan State University.
Chase Voelker, of Pigeon, is reappointed to represent District 6 growers. He is part-owner of Greenfield Farm, Inc. and holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University.
The three appointees will serve terms through December 2028.
The Michigan Bean Commission is headquartered in Frankenmuth, the heart of the growing area. The primary objectives of the commission are research and promotion. There are more than 2,300 growers registered with the Michigan Bean Commission who are dedicated to bringing consumers the highest quality dry beans and are recognized worldwide as industry leaders.
Farm Produce Insurance Authority
Eric Voisinet, a Clinton County Farm Bureau member from Laingsburg, is appointed to serve a term through June 2028. He is the owner of Voisinet Farms and has served on the Michigan Corn Growers Association board since 2018. Voisinet holds a certificate in agricultural business, crop production, and grain marketing from Michigan State University.
The Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority is a ten-member board representing farmers, the grain industry, and banking interests. The board has the responsibility of establishing, administering, and promoting the Farm Produce Insurance Fund.
Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee
James Weber, a Tuscola County Farm Bureau member from Vassar, is appointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association. He is the owner of Weber Family Dairy, LLC, and was the 2019 Michigan Marketing Producers Association’s Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator. Weber holds a dairy management certificate from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science in dairy science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Jeffrey Horning, a Washtenaw County Farm Bureau member from Manchester, is reappointed to represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association. He is the owner and operator of Horning Farms and holds a Bachelor of Science in food science from Michigan State University.
Corby Werth, of Alpena, is the owner of Werth Dairy Farm and is reappointed as a representative of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
The Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee works in conjunction with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan to promote the sale of dairy products and to educate consumers, health professionals, and educators about the dairy industry and the nutritional benefits of Michigan's dairy products.
The three appointees will serve terms through December 2028.
Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development
David Williams, a Shiawassee County Farm Bureau member from Elsie, is reappointed to represent Independents. He is a co-owner of W Farms LLC and has been recognized as a Master Farmer for his agricultural leadership and land stewardship. Williams previously served as president of the Michigan Soybean Association and as a director of the United Soybean Board.
Dr. Felicia Wu, of East Lansing, is a John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor and University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, with appointments in the departments of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics. She holds degrees from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in engineering and public policy from Carnegie Mellon University. A recognized expert in food science, Wu serves on scientific advisory committees for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. She is reappointed to represent Independents.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development provides oversight and executive direction for the programs of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and approves the rules and regulations the department promulgates.
Both appointees will serve terms through December 2030.