Mike Weststeyn of Ripon is the newest appointment to the South San Joaquin Irrigation District board of directors.

He was named the Division 4 director, replacing the late Dale Kuil, who passed away in May.

A graduate of Ripon Christian High, Weststeyn, who has a degree in Agribusiness from Fresno State, was appointed to the SSJID seat after an advertised candidate search along with the formal interviewing process.

He’s been an area almond farmer for the past 29 years.

His family includes his wife of 23 years, Amy, and children Elizabeth, Erik and Megan.

Weststeyn was officially seated at last Tuesday’s SSJID meeting.