Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch celebrates 70th birthday of CEO
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch celebrates 70th birthday of CEO
Herbruck’s grows under Stephen Herbruck’s leadership in egg industry
SARANAC, Mich. – Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch today is celebrating the 70th birthday of its CEO and board chairman, Stephen Herbruck, who joined the company in 1972 and is a true leader in the egg industry.
Stephen Herbruck is a leading voice in the egg industry, whose industry affiliations include director of Midwest Foods Association and chairman of Eggland’s Best Inc., among many other professional involvements. He has deep experience in virtually all aspects of the family business, from feed mill operations and pullet management to package design and engineering.
“Herbruck’s has grown so much, but our core values on leadership remain the same: We’re committed to our people, the planet, our products and prosperity in everything we do. Stephen embodies those values,” said Greg Herbruck, president of Herbruck’s. “We’ve made a lot of progress during Stephen’s time leading us and I have no doubt that will continue far into the future.”
As part of the fourth-generation family business, Stephen Herbruck has been a fixture at Herbruck’s for many years. His colleagues and family members know him to be a one-of-a-kind person who is dedicated to the business and his family, colleagues and community.
“There are only a few true leaders in the egg industry. Steve Herbruck is one of them,” said Charlie Lanktree, CEO of Eggland’s Best. “As chairman of Eggland’s Best, he has helped write a multibillion-dollar success story that just keeps on getting even better every day.”
Stephen Herbruck served as president of Herbruck’s from 1994-2016 after joining the company in 1972. He earned his associate degree from Michigan State University in grain elevator management. His industry affiliations also include chairman of Eggland’s Best LLC; director of United Egg Producers; past director of Michigan Allied Poultry Industries; director of the American Egg Board; member of the Consumer Marketing Committee; and a past member of the Ionia County Economic Alliance.
“Steve has been a longstanding leader within the egg industry and for the American Egg Board and his endless contributions are only outmatched by his willingness to serve,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “The AEB staff knows Steve as a leader who is always willing to step up and lend a hand, often at a moment’s notice. Case in point: at one of his very first AEB Board meetings, Steve willingly appeared on camera to help answer common egg production questions for AEB to use in its communications efforts—without even a lick of prior preparation. Steve also chaired our esteemed Marketing Committee and led the organization through key staff transitions and pivotal marketing moments. Though Steve is retiring from the AEB Board this year, his legacy will be long-standing.”
“Congratulations to Stephen Herbruck. In my 20 plus year career at United Egg Producers (UEP), Stephen has been a mentor and a friend,” said Chad Gregory, president and CEO of United Egg Producers. “He’s been a board member of UEP (and Midwest UEP) for decades and his calming demeanor has provided the kind of leadership UEP needed through many trials and tribulations. What I have admired most about Stephen has been his determination to always do what is right, no matter what.”
Stephen Herbruck founded Poultry Management Systems in 1980 and sold the company to Big Dutchman in 2009. Herbruck’s itself made multiple strides under Stephen Herbruck’s leadership, including beginning to produce liquid eggs for the foodservice industry in 1991, and beginning to produce organic eggs in 1998. Green Meadow Organics, a branch of Herbruck’s that offers organic eggs and fertilizers, opened in 2008 and is now the largest organic egg producing facility in the country.
“Best wishes to Michigan’s own Stephen Herbruck on his special day,” said U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. “Our state is fortunate to have such a strong leader who supports jobs and economic growth in agriculture. Happy Birthday Steve!”
Stephen Herbruck is also the recipient of prestigious awards in the egg industry, including the Michigan Agri-Business Association’s Leaders and Legends award he received in 2019.
“When I think of leaders in the agriculture industry Michigan, I think of Stephen Herbruck,” said Jim Byrum, with Rural and Agriculture Policy Advisers. “Not only is Stephen an innovator who has literally changed the systems for producing eggs in Michigan, the U.S. and around the world, he leads with integrity and creativity. He has been a trusted colleague and friend for many years. Stephen has guided Herbruck’s to the position of one of the most innovative and respected egg producers in the U.S. The number of people that have benefited from Stephen’s experience and leadership, including myself, are all stronger and better industry partners because of his guidance.”
“I am so proud to have Herbruck’s as one of our leading companies in West Michigan,” said Rep. Peter Meijer. “Stephen Herbruck and the rest of the Herbruck’s family have shown us the good that comes when companies are active members of their communities, contribute to local economies and organizations and represent the communities they serve with pride. I’m happy Herbruck’s calls West Michigan home.”
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch is a fourth-generation family farm based in Saranac, Michigan. Herbruck’s is the largest egg producer in Michigan and has locations in Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. For more information about Herbruck’s, visit: www.herbrucks.com.