Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments and reappointments to the state-level carrot and onion boards. Several county Farm Bureau members are among those selected to guide the research and development work of the specialty crop groups.
Michigan Carrot Commission
Lee Oomen, an Oceana County Farm Bureau member of Walkerville, is a fieldman for the vegetable processor IPC Arbre Farms where he works with growers who supply carrots to IPC. Lee also farms in his spare personal time. Oomen is reappointed to serve through October 31, 2026.
Longtime Oceana County Farm Bureau member Ralph Oomen, of Hart, owns and operates Oomen Veggie with his son, farming 1600 acres including 200 acres of carrots. Oomen is reappointed to serve through October 31, 2026.
Ryan Malburg, an Oceana County Farm Bureau member of Hart, farms 1,400 acres, including 100 acres of carrots for the processed market. Growing carrots at Malburg Acres started with Ryan’s father more than 30 years ago. Malburg is reappointed to serve through October 31, 2025.
Jared Oomen, of Pentwater, farms 4,000 acres of conventional and organic crops, including 600 acres of carrots for processing. Jared has a passion for innovation and trying new things to improve carrot production. He holds a degree in agricultural industries from Michigan State University. Oomen is reappointed to serve through October 31, 2025.
Craig Brandt, of Imlay City, is a fresh carrot grower and fourth-generation farmer. He is co-owner of Valley Farms, where he works 1,600 acres, including 550 acres of carrots. He holds an MBA from Baker College. Brandt is appointed to serve through October 31, 2024.
The Michigan Carrot Commission promotes the production and consumption of carrots grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of carrot farming.
Michigan Onion Committee
Kent County Farm Bureau leader Bruce Klamer, of Byron Center, has served as the president at V & W farms since 1981. He is a Hope College graduate and has served as chairman of the Onion Committee since 1995. Klamer is reappointed to serve through August 16, 2026.
Michael Bosch, of Hamilton, is co-owner of Eding Brothers Celery Farm and grows 60 acres of onions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Mathematics from Grand Valley State University. Bosch is reappointed to serve through August 16, 2026.
The Michigan Onion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of onions grown in Michigan as well as to assist in the agricultural research and development of onion farming.