A couple of fruit growers in Michigan’s Great Southwest will continue to serve the state following their re-appointments by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week to the Michigan Cherry Committee and the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.
At the Michigan Cherry Committee, Whitmer has placed Mark A. Schilling of Saint Joseph and two others up for appointment or re-appointment. Schilling is the owner of Schilling Family Farms, LLC and the Mick Klug Farm. He was first appointed to the Cherry Committee in 2015 and currently serves as the Treasurer on that committee. Schilling is reappointed to represent District 3 tart cherry growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024.
Newly appointed is Juliette McAvoy, of Central Lake, who serves as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for King Orchards, Inc. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Agri-Business Management and Horticulture from Michigan State University. McAvoy is appointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024. She succeeds Greg Shooks whose term expired February 1, 2021.
Also newly appointed is Emily A. Miezio, of Suttons Bay, who is the receiving station manager for Cherry Bay Orchards. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hope College and a Master of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University. Miezio is appointed to represent District 1 tart cherry growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring February 1, 2024. She succeeds Benjamin LaCross whose term expired February 1, 2021.
The Michigan Cherry Committee was developed for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers by creating greater marketing opportunities for their fruit. The Committee conducts advertising and promotion programs, assembles, and disseminates market information, and supports research into new marketing methods.
Those appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Meanwhile, over at the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, Gov. Whitmer has reappointed Trever G. Meachum, of Hartford, who serves as the production manager and partner at High Acres Fruit Farm. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Michigan State University. Meachum is reappointed to represent District 3 growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring March 1, 2024.
Also reappointed to that commission is James Nugent, of Suttons Bay, who is a co-owner of Sunblossom Orchards and a retired horticulturalist for the MSU Extension Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and Master of Science Degree in Entomology from Michigan State University. Nugent is reappointed to represent District 1 growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring March 1, 2024.
And, Charles A. Rasch, of Conklin, the owner of Windy Ridge Orchards, LLC, a family farm where they grow apples and peaches, is reappointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing March 5, 2021 and expiring March 1, 2024.
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.
Those appointments are also subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
