By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

LANSING, Mich. — It’s his first term in office and State Rep. Mike Huckleberry, D-Greenville, has already earned an unlikely post for a freshman legislator.

Last month, Huckleberry was named chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture for the remainder of the 95th Legislature. Huckleberry, who previously served as vice chairman of the committee, was tapped as its new leader after the untimely death of former chairman Rep. Mike Simpson, D-Jackson.

The 47-year-old Simpson died of a heart attack Dec. 18 in the midst of a battle against a rare blood disorder. He was in his second term serving the residents of Jackson, Eaton and Lenawee counties.

“I’m honored to take my place as chair, but these were unfortunate circumstances,” Huckleberry said. “Mike Simpson was a friend and a mentor.”

Huckleberry, known simply as “Huck” to his constituents and colleagues, represents the state’s 70th District, which includes all of Montcalm and part of Ionia counties. Agriculture is the state’s No. 2 industry and ranks equally high in these counties. Montcalm County is No. 1 in the state for potato production and beehives, No. 3 for Christmas tree production and No. 5 for dairy production, while Ionia County ranks No. 1 for egg production.

“I have a passion for agriculture,” Huckleberry said. “Farming defines who we are in Montcalm and Ionia counties, both historically and economically. Farming is also one of the few bright spots in Michigan’s economy, so it’s crucial that we sustain a healthy and strong agricultural industry.

“I’m ready to tackle the important issues that matter to our farmers,” Huckleberry said.

He is already pursuing a bill that calls for an open hunting season for feral swine. In addition, he is working on two bills that seek changes to the state’s whitetail deer season, which are aimed at supporting the harvest of more deer.

Huckleberry owns and operates Huckleberry’s Restaurant in Greenville with his wife, Linda. He said his experience as a restaurateur has helped him identify with the “passion” farmers have for their trade.

Early in his bid for the 70th District House seat, Huckleberry met with farmers in his district to learn about their needs.

“I’ve never lived on a farm, but I grew up in a rural area,” Huckleberry said. “I’ve recognized from the beginning that farming is a labor of love – farmers love what they do. As a business owner myself, I understand that. I think it comes down to my understanding that farming is a business,” and that farmers and agriculture are “an economic powerhouse” in Michigan.

Huckleberry said he is continuing to talk with farmers and other representatives of the state’s agricultural community as he leads the committee in addressing issues that will impact them.
“The 70th District farmers have the opportunity to drive the state’s agricultural agenda,” Huckleberry said. “I’m going to farmers in my area for advice.”

In addition to Huckleberry’s appointment, State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, was named vice chairman of the committee. Mayes served as the committee chair during the 94th Legislature and had remained a member of the committee.

Mayes said he and Huckleberry share similar goals.

“First and foremost,” Mayes said he is interested in looking at “how do we remove barriers to agriculture in doing its business here in Michigan, and how do we support this part of our economy and help agriculture and agribusiness create jobs?

“Huck will do an exceptional job,” Mayes said. “He has a good understanding of the agricultural community. He is well aware of the role agriculture has in Michigan and in its economy.”