Dec 10, 2015

Great Lakes EXPO setting for awards banquet

Several awards were presented Dec. 9 at the 15th annual Great Lakes EXPO Banquet held as part of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS) presented the MSHS Distinguished Service Award to Fred and Linda Koeningshof, owners of K & K Farms in Coloma. Fred is past president of the MSHS and the Great Lakes EXPO, and is the current president of the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association. The couple is on the board of the Chicago-based Good Food Project.

For his commitment to serve the needs of industry stakeholders, Matt McCallum was recognized by MSHS with its Distinguished Service Award and by the Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) with its Master Farmer Associate Award. McCallum is owner of Great American Media Services of Sparta, publisher of several publications, including Fruit Growers News, Vegetable Growers News, Produce Processing, Spudman, Greenhouse Produce News and Lawn & Garden Retailer.

The MVC’s Master Farmer Award was presented to brothers Stan, Keith and Cal VanSingel of VanSingel Farms in Grant. The award recognizes outstanding farming practices, as well as leadership roles in industry and community organizations and support of vegetable crop research.

Fred Poston, retiring dean of Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and special advisor to the president, was honored by MSHS and MVC with a special award for his service to the industry.

Watch for future coverage in Vegetable Growers News.