The election of the first Michigan Farm Bureau president who grows cherries — and happens to be from Leelanau County — is being hailed by industry leaders.
Ben LaCross, a Glen Lake grad who earned a degree in business from Central Michigan University, returned from college to help run the family farm in Centerville Township. As a Farm Bureau district representative, he’s served 13 years representing eight counties.
“Ben understands the industry,” said Curtis Rowley, a cherry grower from Utah and president of the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB). “And he’s worked in the industry. I believe his understanding of what we’re going through will roll over to other farming groups. That will help the Farm Bureau, and keep cherries at the front.
