Mike is a fourth generation farmer from the eastern Washington area. Mike and his wife, Marci, have owned and  managed their family farms consisting of wheat, cattle, potatoes, alfalfa and other commodities. They have three grown children who are active in the family businesses.

Mike and Marci own Washington Genetics, an ag business and consulting firm based out of Ritzville Wa. Clients are varied throughout the country including Universities, municipalities, commodity groups,  government agencies and the food security network. He currently serves as a representative on the APLU Board as its CARET member and sits as the Western Chair and on the Executive board as its BAC liaison.

Mike has served on many local , state, national and international boards and committees over the past 40 years and is a strong advocate for the whole agricultural food , feed, and fiber industry.