Wally Heuser was named Cherry Industry Person of the Year during Michigan's National Cherry Festival, the latest in a string of industry awards he's been given over the years. The award ceremony was held July 5 near Traverse City, Mich.
Heuser's impact on the U.S. fruit industry over the last several decades was perhaps best summed up by Phil Korson, executive director of the Michigan Cherry Committee, in a letter nominating Heuser for Cherry Industry Person of the Year.
"Wally has deicated his life to improving MIchigan's fruit crops," Korson wrote. "He has been a leader in searching the world for new cherry cultivars and rootstocks that might be important for Michigan cherry farmers. He was instrumental in all aspects of deciduous fruit varieties, rootstocks and orchard management systems. ally is a leader and visionary and his work will continue on long into the future."
Heuser, 82, wasn't expecting another award at this stage of his career, but her was happy to accept it. The presenters gave him a beautiful red jacket, and he even had the chance to ride in a parade later in the week, something he'd never done before.
"It's been quite an honor," he said. "I've been fortunate over the years to be pretty active in the industry."
"Active" might have been an understatement. Many in the industry consider Heusler a worldwide authority on deciduous fruit varieties, rootstocks and orchard systems.
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Wally Heuser was named Cherry Industry Person of the Year during Michigan's National Cherry Festival, the latest in a string of industry awards he's been given over the years. The award ceremony was held July 5 near Traverse City, Mich.