LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder Monday announced the appointment of Trever Meachum of Hartford to serve on the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The five-member commission provides oversight and executive direction for the programs of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Trever has held multiple public service positions within the food and agriculture industry and brings valuable insight and background to the commission and department as it works to promote and protect one of our state’s key industries,” Snyder said.
Meachum is the production manager of High Acres Fruit Farm in Hartford and owns a 1,000-acre fruit, vegetable and cash crop farm with his parents and brother.
He also serves as secretary for the Hartford Township Planning Commission and as board clerk for Hartford Federated Church.
He chairs the Michigan Apple Research Committee and is finance chair of the International Fruit Tree Association.
He is a member of the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association (MACMA) Board of Directors and MACMA Apple Committee.
He is a past president of the Michigan Vegetable Council.
Meachum will serve a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2015, and replaces Jennifer Fike.
The appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Farm Bureau commends selection
Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) applauded the Jan. 9 gubernatorial appointment of its member.

“Michigan Farm Bureau appreciates Gov. Snyder’s selection of Trever Meachum to help represent Michigan’s vital food and farming industry on the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development,” said MFB President Wayne H. Wood. “Trever Meachum is an outstanding choice for the position, and he will be an asset for the commission.” 

At the ripe age of 41, Meachum already has a distinguished history with Farm Bureau. He is a past president of the Van Buren County Farm Bureau and has lent his service to a variety of county Farm Bureau committees. 

At the state level, Meachum served on a special farm bill advisory committee appointed by the MFB board of directors in 2007. He also is a graduate of ProFILE, MFB’s leadership education program. In addition, Meachum is a member of the board of directors of the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association (MACMA), an affiliate of the MFB Family of Companies.

As a young farmer, Meachum excelled in activities for Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35. In 2002, he won MFB’s Outstanding Young Agricultural Leader Award, which recognizes a successful young farmer for outstanding leadership roles in Farm Bureau, agriculture and the recipient’s local community.
The following year, he won the MFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet, a public speaking contest which judges contestants on their ability to discuss current agricultural issues.
As the state winner, Meachum advanced to the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet in 2003 and prevailed as a runner-up in the national competition. 
Meachum’s present stage in his agricultural career, combined with his recent experiences as a young farmer, should add depth and a fresh perspective to the commission, said Wood. 
“Outside of raw talent, Trever represents the future of Michigan agriculture and he’s a model for the agri-prenuers who are helping to sustain and grow this critical and vibrant business sector. Michigan Farm Bureau looks forward to working with Trever in his new role.”