County Farm Bureau members Travis Horkey (Monroe), Dale Johnson (Iron Range) and Jon Yoder (St. Joseph) were recently appointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission. The appointees are subject to Senate approval and will serve a term through July 1, 2025.
The commission members oversee the use of grower-generated funds focused on research, promotion and education to support an economically viable potato industry in the state.
- Travis Horkey, a Monroe County Farm Bureau member from Dundee, is a partner with Horkey Brother Farms and is reappointed to represent the fresh potato industry.
- Dale Johnson, an Iron Range Farm Bureau member from Sagola, is the president of Johnson Brothers Inc. and is appointed to represent growers-at-large.
- Jon Yoder, a St. Joseph County Farm Bureau member from Sturgis, is the owner and vice president of Yoder Family Farms. He is appointed to represent the fresh potato industry.
- Philip Gusmano, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is the vice president of purchasing for Better Made Snack Foods and is reappointed to represent retailers.
- Ryan Norton, of Vicksburg, is the operations manager for Walther Farms and is appointed to represent the snack potato manufacturing industry.
- Ryan Pelletier, of McMillan, is the agronomist and operations manager for Walther Farms and is appointed to represent the seed potato industry.
- Michael Phillips, of Portage, is the supply manager for Walther Farms and is appointed to represent the snack potato manufacturing industry.
- Mathew Skogman, of Foster City, is a member of Skogman Seed Farm and is reappointed to represent the seed potato industry.
- Rebecca Williams, of Grand Haven, is the CEO for Central Michigan Potato Cooperative Association and is appointed to represent shippers.