On Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan Asparagus Marketing Advisory Board, and Michigan Bean Commission.
Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development
Juliette King-McAvoy, of Central Lake, is vice president of sales and marketing at King Orchards. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Horticulture and Agribusiness from Michigan State University. Ms. King-McAvoy is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Timothy Boring who has resigned.
Monica Wyant, of East Grand Rapids, is the produce business manager for Meijer, Inc. and a former associate director of intergovernmental affairs for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She earned her Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Northwestern University. Ms. Wyant is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Dru Montri whose term expired December 31, 2021.
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.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Asparagus Marketing Advisory Board
Dwight Fuehring, of Mears, is the owner and operator of Fuehring Farms and works as the chief of the Hart Fire Department. He holds a certificate in fruit and vegetable crop management from Michigan State University. Mr. Fuehring is reappointed to represent Northern-Central Michigan growers for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring November 13, 2024.
Kyle R. Weber, of Watervliet, is the owner of Weber Orchards, a supervisor at Wise Farms & Storage, and an assistant at MM Farms. He holds an associate’s degree in agricultural business management from Michigan State University. Mr. Weber is reappointed to represent growers-at-large for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring November 13, 2024.
The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board seeks to promote the production and consumption of asparagus grown in Michigan as well as to assist in the agricultural research and development of asparagus farming.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Bean Commission
Greg Ackerman, of Vassar, is the manager of Ackerman & Son Farm. He is an executive committee member of the U.S. Dry Bean Council and a past member of the Michigan Farm Produce Insurance Authority. Mr. Ackerman is reappointed to represent District 3 growers for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024.
Allen Bischer, of Minden City, is the owner of Gentner Bischer Farms. He is a past parish council president at the St. Peter and Paul Church and attended U.S. Dry Bean Council trade missions. Mr. Bischer is reappointed to represent District 5 growers for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024.
Neil French, of Munger, is a grower relations manager for ADM Edible Bean Specialties. He holds a Certificate of Agricultural Technology from Michigan State University. Mr. French is reappointed to represent processors, shippers, and handlers for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024.
Clinton Stoutenburg, of Sandusky, is the owner of Stoutenburg Farms and serves as an executive committee member on the U.S. Dry Bean Council. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Mr. Stoutenburg is reappointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing January 21, 2022 and expiring December 31, 2024.
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 1,100 growers and related agri-business associates registered with the Michigan Bean Commission who are dedicated to bringing consumers the highest quality dry beans. Michigan’s growers have a long history of production and are recognized worldwide as industry leaders.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
