Four Northern Michigan Men Appointed to Cherry Committee, Tree Fruit Commission

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced four people from northern Michigan were appointed to the Michigan Cherry Committee and Michigan Tree Fruit Commission Tuesday.

Dave Hackert from Ludington and Caleb Herrygers from Hart were both appointed to the Michigan Cherry Committee for terms lasting from April 26 until Feb. 1, 2025.

Hackert is the vice president of Indian Summer Co-op where he oversees farm and process operations and coordinates with growers. He is appointed to represent District 2 sweet cherry growers. Hackert succeeds Daryl Person who se term expired Feb. 1.

Caleb Herrygers is the operations manager for Herrygers Farms. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness Management with a specialty in Good and Industry Management from Michigan State University. Caleb Herrygers is appointed to represent District 2 tart cherry growers and succeeds Michael DeRuiter whose term expired Feb. 1.

The Michigan Cherry Committee was started for the purpose of improving the economic position of the Michigan red tart and sweet cherry growers. The committee focuses on creating marketing opportunities for their fruit by advertising and promotion programs and assembles. They disseminate market information and support research into new marketing methods. All the appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Mark Miezio from Suttons Bay and Gerrit Herrygers from Hart were both appointed to the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission for terms lasting from April 26 until March 1, 2025.

Miezio is the president of Cherry Bay Orchards. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. He is reappointed to represent District 1 growers.

Gerrit Herrygers is the lead sales representative and certified crop advisor for the Wilbur-Ellis Company and the crop manager for Herrygers Farms. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University. Gerrit Herrygers is appointed to represent District 2 growers and succeeds Jim Engelsma whose term expired March 1.

The Michigan Tree Fruit Commission was started to improve the economic position and competitiveness of the Michigan tree fruit industry. All appointments made to this commission are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.