County Farm Bureau member leaders Robert Bodtke (Van Buren), Creela Hamlin (Allegan), and Carley Parsley (Allegan) were reappointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Blueberry Commission. The appointees are subject to Senate approval and will serve a term through December 31, 2025.
“These volunteers serve an important role in improving the economic position and competitiveness of the blueberry sector,” said Nancy Nyquist, executive director of the Michigan Blueberry Commission. “They do this by guiding the planning and implementation of research, education and promotion programs funded by the checkoff program.
“Some of our research priorities have recently focused on developing pest management programs, enhancing yields and quality, lowering the financial impact of chemical inputs, and food safety.”
More about the appointees:
- Van Burean County Farm Bureau member Robert Bodtke, of South Haven, is the manager at Cornerstone Ag Enterprises. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Cornerstone University. Bodtke is reappointed to represent district 2.
- Allegan County Farm Bureau member Creela Hamlin, of South Haven, is the field representative at Peterson Farms Incorporated. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from Grand Valley. Hamlin is reappointed to represent members-at-large.
- Allegan County Farm Bureau member Carley Parsley, of Bloomingdale, is a partner at Brookside Farms, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science Business Management and Marketing from Cornerstone University. Parsley is reappointed to represent district 2.
Other commission members serving active terms include:
- Dennis Vander Kooi, Allegan, Allegan County Farm Bureau
- David Reenders, Grand Haven, Ottawa County Farm Bureau
- Jason Thomas, Grand Junction, Van Buren County Farm Bureau
- Eric Jawor, Muskegon
Share Story
Article Tags
