Farm Bureau members appointed to Michigan Soybean Committee

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments to the Michigan Soybean Committee, including two county Farm Bureau members.

“With more than two million acres of soybeans planted annually across the state, having Farm Bureau members serve on the Michigan Soybean Committee ensures producers have a direct voice in shaping policy and strengthens connections that benefit all of agriculture,” said MFB Industry Relations Specialist Theresa Sisung.

Appointments serving through September 23, 2027, include:

• John Burk (Bay County Farm Bureau), of Bay City, is the owner of Burk Farms. He holds an associate degree in science, a bachelor’s degree in agriculture technology and systems management, and a master’s degree in crop and soil science from Michigan State University. Burk is reappointed to represent District 5 growers.
• Gary Parr (Eaton County Farm Bureau), of Charlotte, is the owner and president of Parr Farms Inc. He is appointed to represent District 2 growers and succeeds Pete Crawford, whose term has expired.
• Scott Wilson, of Lexington, is the co-owner of Wilson Farms, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering technology from Central Michigan University and is reappointed to represent District 4 growers.

Other members currently serving on the Michigan Soybean Committee include:

• Sara Trattles, a St. Joseph County Farm Bureau member from Colon
• Nathan McCalla, from Ann Arbor
• Mark Sent, a Shiawassee County Farm Bureau member from Owosso
• Ryan Drozd, from Allegan

The Michigan Soybean Committee oversees procedures related to the soybean marketing program. Its responsibilities include preparing an annual operating budget, recommending amendments to the program, developing assessment collection methods, and assembling data necessary for effective program administration.