Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 720-2739Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced 40 appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. All appointees will serve 3-year terms.
“These appointees represent a cross section of the beef industry and I am confident that beef producers and importers of cattle, beef and beef products will be well served by them," said Vilsack.
In 2009, according to USDA statistics, top beef producing states included Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, California and Oklahoma.
Newly appointed members representing cattle producers are: Eric L. Smith, Ala.; Weldon D. Wynn, Ark.; James I. Maxey and Manuel Rodrigues, Calif.; Harold A. Wick, Colo.; James C. Lefils, Fla.; Dan D. Hinman, Idaho; Jeanne L. Harland, Ill.; Donald E. Gurtner, Ind.; William R. Frazee and Kent E. Pruismann, Iowa; Brittany J. Howell and Steve J. Irsik, Kan.; Julianna G. Jepson, Ky.; Paul L. Kent, Minn.; Howard W. Hardecke and Brenda L. Black, Mo.; Leo R. McDonnell, Mont.; Albert T. Davis and David J. Wright, Neb.; Patricia J. Bikowsky, N.Y.; Elwood F. Barth, N.D.; Peter J. Guglielmino, Northwest Unit; Davis W. Denman, Ohio; Brett W. Morris, Brian C. Healey and Terry L. Detrick, Okla.; Patricia A. Venable, Ore.; Daniel M. Kniffen, Pa.; Vaughn R. Meyer, S.D.; Linda A. Crumley, Southeast Unit; Ronald T. Yeargin, Tenn.; Charles A. Kiker III, Charles L. Ezer, Anne I. Anderson V. Anne Wirtz, and Jackie M. Means, Texas; Joseph W. Guthrie, Va.; and Alvin R. Bartz, Wis.
The newly appointed member representing importers is Lawrence I. Bryant, Va.The Board oversees the collection of $1-per-head on all cattle sold in the United States, and $1-per-head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products. In addition, the Board contracts with established national, non-profit, industry-governed organizations to implement programs of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications.
The 106-member Board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. The Secretary selects the appointees nominated by beef, veal, dairy and importers certified organizations.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service monitors operation of the Board.
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