November 2024 - 30

Rachael Miller
Senior Buyer - Fresh Apple
Bel Group - Makers of GoGo squeeZ
Theo Medendorp
Agronomist
Morgan Composting
A senior apple buyer for Bel Group,
makers of GoGo squeeZ applesauce
snacks, Rachael has for a decade worked in Michigan's
specialty crop industry focusing on fruit. Rachael
manages a grower-centered apple sourcing program with
100+ Eastern U.S. growers. In 2023, she led the kickoff
of the company's regenerative agriculture pilot program
with Michigan growers. Rachael and her husband raise
two children.
Raynor Churchwell
Agricultural Programs Manager
Georgia Farm Bureau
Raynor is Georgia Farm Bureau's
(GFB) agricultural programs manager,
leading GFB's commodity advisory committees, aiding
growers on the practical implications of ag policy and
regulations. He is also a liaison between GFB and Georgia's
ag commodity commissions and associations, promoting
GFB programs and the organization's issues. Raynor
resides in Cochran, Georgia, with his wife and two sons.
Sara Hricko
Co-owner
Green's Fruit Farm
Though not farm raised, Sara is
passionate about ag education, grower
advocacy and sustainability. Along with her husband Bobby,
she manages Green's Fruit Farm in eastern Pennsylvania.
The farm is Eco-certified and hosts workshops and
tours teaching others about tree fruit and agriculture.
Sara holds a master's in plant pathology and is the
legislative chair for the State Horticultural Association of
Pennsylvania. She and Bobby raise two children.
Stephen Specca
Production Manager
Specca Farms
Stephen earned a bachelor's in plant
science from Rutgers University
in 2016. A fourth-generation farmer at Specca Farms,
Stephen grows more than 500 cultivars of produce.
Stephen bought his own farm in 2021 where he direct
markets specialty fruits and vegetables. He volunteers
his time on the Burlington County Board of Agriculture,
the Burlington County Agricultural Development Board
and the Springfield Township Planning Board.
30 | NOVEMBER 2024
Theo is an agronomist with a
bachelor's degree from Northern
Michigan University. At Morgan Composting, his focus is
on soil test interpretation and fertility management. He
works with farmers on various crops to develop creative
solutions for handling, applying and finding value in
non-traditional fertilizers and amendments.
Theresa Kober
Food Safety Manager
Riveridge Produce Marketing
Theresa has managed Riveridge's
food safety since 2015. She
has extensive experience in food safety and quality
assurance. She oversees compliance with industry
standards and regulations, ensuring produce and apple
cider quality. Theresa enjoys helping Riveridge's growers
and packers meet food safety requirements.
Theresa Sisung
Industry Relations Specialist
Michigan Farm Bureau
Since 2019, Theresa has worked
in Michigan Farm Bureau's Public
Policy and Commodity Division focusing on crop-related
issues and leads staff in fruit, vegetable and row crops.
Previously advocacy and outreach director at Michigan's
corn marketing program, Theresa remains involved
in her family row crop and livestock farm. She earned
a Bachelor's from Michigan State University and a
Master's from Kansas State University.
Tracee Bettencourt
Stone Fruit Hybridizer
Zaiger's Genetics
Tracee graduated from Cal Poly with
a B.S. in agriculture science with
a fruit science concentration. The granddaughter of
the company founder Floyd Zaiger, Tracee is the third
generation of the Modesto, California, family business.
She is always looking for the next best piece of fruit with
unique characteristics and enjoys seeing new genes
making fruit most desirable.
November 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2024
