Farm Bureau well-represented on state's beef commission

A pair of county Farm Bureau members are among Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent appointments to the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. 

The appointees are subject to Senate approval and will serve term through 2025: 

Monte Bordner, a St. Joseph County Farm Bureau member of Sturgis, is reappointed to represent cattle breeders. Bordner has been farming for 59 years, specializing in angus cattle breeding. He has been a leader in the industry for decades being recognized with the 4H foundation Silver Clover Award and the Michigan Angus Association Heritage Award, as well as serving on the Michigan Farm Bureau Livestock Advisory Committee, including as chair in 2023.

Frank “Ed” Leist, a Charlevoix County Farm Bureau member of Boyne City, is appointed to represent cattle marketers. Leist has been with Northern Michigan Livestock for 23 years, 19 of which he has worked as an auctioneer. He is a leader in livestock auctioning, in his work he represents dozens of farms across northern Michigan.

Douglas Ritchie, of Gladwin, is appointed to represent cattle marketers. Ritchie has been farming for 45 years, growing crops as cattle feed and finishing 160 heads a year. He was recognized as the Conservation Farm of the Year in 1988. 

“We appreciate producers taking time to oversee the promotional efforts of the beef cattle industry,” said Michigan Farm Bureau Senior Industry Relations Specialist Ernie Birchmeier. “These funds come directly from the sale of cattle and the checkoff program has proven to be a valuable tool in beef promotion and consumer education.”

Read next: Michigan Beef Industry Commission approves state-level checkoff

Other commission members serving active terms include:

• Leon Knirk, a Branch County Farm Bureau member of Quincy

• Jon Haindl, a Hiawathaland Farm Bureau member of Cooks

• Jennifer Lewis, Michigan Farm Bureau Board District 2 Director of Hillsdale 

• Travis Schunk, a Clare County Farm Bureau member of Clare

• Matt Noggle, a Washtenaw County Farm Bureau member of Brooklyn

• Dave Neitzel, of Kentwood

The Michigan Beef Industry Commission was created under Public Act 291 in 1972 to promote the sale of beef and beef products. The Commission, the Beef Promotion and Research Board, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association work together in a coordinated state and national effort to promote beef and veal products in order to hold market share and increase the demand for beef and veal.