State taps Farm Bureau leaders to continue service on apple, carrot commissions

County Farm Bureau members Caleb Coulter (Oceana) and Kim Kropf (Kent) have been reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Apple Committee, while Craig Brandt (Lapeer) has been reappointed to the Michigan Carrot Commission.

Michigan Apple Committee 

Coulter (Oceana County Farm Bureau), of New Era, is the owner of New Era’s American Apple and Asparagus and the West Michigan sales representative for Reister’s Grower Services. He attended Baker College. Coulter is reappointed to represent district 3 growers through April 1, 2028.

Kropf (Kent County Farm Bureau), of Lowell, is the vice president of Hart Farm LLC. She also sits on the board of directors for the U.S. Apple Association. Kropf is reappointed to represent district 2 growers through April 1, 2028.

 Other current members of the Michigan Apple Committee include:

• Michael Dietrich, an Ottawa County Farm Bureau member from Conklin
• Philip Schwallier, an Ottawa County Farm Bureau member from Sparta
• Eric Roossinck, a Newaygo County Farm Bureau member from Fremont
• Gregory Kugel, a Berrien County Farm Bureau member from Niles

Christopher Alpers, from Lake Leelanau

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 Carrot Commission 

Brandt (Lapeer County Farm Bureau), of Imlay City, is the owner of Valley Farms LLC. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Baker College. Brandt is reappointed to represent growers through Oct. 31, 2027.

Other current members of the Michigan Carrot Commission include:

• Lee Oomen, an Oceana County Farm Bureau member from Walkerville
• Ralph Oomen, an Oceana County Farm Bureau member from Hart
• Ryan Malburg, from Hart
• Jared Oomen, from Pentwater

The Michigan Carrot Commission promotes the production and consumption of carrots grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of carrot farming.