After being nominated by their peers for consideration on Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) board of directors, two Michigan corn growers were recently appointed and one reappointed by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Steve Lonier, of Lansing, who has more than 30 years of farming experience, will represent District 6 growers. Lonier, co-owner of Shady Lodge Farm LLC, a 138-year old family farm, also served on the Clinton County Ag-Land Preservation board. He replaces Pat Feldpausch.

Governor Makes Appointments And Re-appoint To Corn Board

Paul Wagner, of Grawn, a fifth-generation farmer and owner of A&P Farms, will represent District 9 growers. Wagner grows corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and oats, and raises feeder cattle. He is also a Farm Bureau State Young Farmers representative. He replaces Ed Breitmeyer.

Gov. Snyder also reappointed Richard Dobbins of Concord to the CMPM board. Dobbins, who will continue to represent District 5 growers, has more than 40 years of experience growing both corn and soybeans. He is president and CEO of North Concord Farms.

All appointees will serve three-year terms that expire on March 5, 2016 and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the senate.

"I am confident that Steve, Paul and Richard will be great assets to the committee through their combined experience and expertise in the industry, and I look forward to their input and service," Snyder says.

The CMPM, established by Public Act 232 of 1965, allows for the establishment of check-off programs for commodities grown in Michigan and sold. Since its origin in 1993, one penny for every bushel of corn grown in Michigan and sold is used by the CMPM to promote the advancement of Michigan's corn industry through research, education, market development and new uses.

"The board is looking forward to having Steve, Paul and Richard on board to help direct the Corn Marketing Program through the next year," says Mark Kies, CMPM vice president and a corn farmer from Allen. "Michigan's corn industry adds more than two billion dollars to the state's economy annually, which is why CMPM's work is so important to our industry and our state."