Governor announces appointments made to Dairy Market Program Committee

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Brian Preston and Wayne Rodgers and the reappointments of Mark Halbert, Bryan Hull and Robert Kran to the Michigan Dairy Market Program Committee. 

In partnership with the program's executive director, this 13-member group develops, implements and administers the dairy producer marketing program, which promotes the sale of Michigan dairy products and increases consumer knowledge of the nutritional importance of dairy. Michigan's dairy industry contributes $5.9 billion to the state's economy each year.

"Michigan has always been at the forefront of the nation's food and dairy industry," said Snyder. "These members will continue the committee's outstanding leadership in ensuring proper operation of the marketing program."

Appointed:

Preston, of Quincy, is owner of Preston Farms. He serves on the Michigan Farm Bureau's Young Farmer State Committee and as a director on the Branch County Farm Bureau Board. Preston earned a bachelor's degree in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. He will represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association and replaces Earl Horning.

Rodgers, of Caledonia, is owner of Cal-E-View Farms. He is a graduate of the Michigan Agricultural Leadership Program and Michigan State University. Rodgers will represent the Dairy Farmers of America and replaces Dwight Nash.

Reappointed:

Halbert, of Battle Creek, is a partner of Halbert Dairy Farm LLC. He is the 2010 Bronze Milk Award winner and will represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

Hull, of Fenwick, is owner of Hull's Dairy Farm LLC. He will represent the Dairy Farmers of America.

Kran, of Free Soil, is owner of Kran Dairy Farm. He will represent the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

All appointees will serve a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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