SACRAMENTO – Industry professionals, academics and licensed veterinarians with a passion for cattle health have the opportunity to help shape state agricultural policies.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch is looking to fill 14 vacancies on the Cattle Health Task Force Advisory Board, the CDFA announced on Dec. 23. Members of the advisory board are appointed by the CDFA secretary and the board holds at least one public meeting each year to review CDFA’s bovine disease control programs, according to the CDFA’s website.
“Animal health plays a critical role in California’s agricultural circular economy,” the CDFA press release said.
Indeed, cattle and calves brought in nearly $1.2 billion in gross production value to Tulare County in 2024, according to the county’s annual crop and livestock report. The report recorded 655,000 heads of cattle in the county in 2024 and 723,000 in 2023. In Fresno County, cattle and calves brought in more than $725 million in gross production value in 2024.
The Cattle Health Task Force Advisory Board makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on the adoption, modification and repeal of regulations and procedures and the rate and collection of license fees and penalties. The board also posts and provides notices for changes in bylaws, general procedures or orders.
Additionally, the board makes recommendations on all matters pertaining to the control and management of cattle health diseases, evaluating the effectiveness of cattle health programs, necessary fees to provide adequate services and regulations required to accomplish the purposes of the Food and Agricultural Code Division 5, Part 2, Chapter 4.
Vacancies on the board were created by term limits. Anyone appointed to the board in 2026 will have a 24-month term.
Of the 14 vacancies, at least three spots must be filled by industry members, three by academic, university or extension members and three by licensed veterinarians. The remaining five vacancies can be filled with a mix of the above individuals.
According to the CDFA, the advisory board will consider a variety of state livestock industry representatives, including active cattle producers or recognized representatives of a livestock trade association. Academic, university or extension members who specialize in cattle health diseases will be considered, and qualified licensed veterinarians must be ones who specifically practice veterinary medicine for beef and/or dairy cattle.
Board members do not receive compensation but will be entitled to reimbursement for transportation to and from board meetings, as well as per-diem expenses for lodging, meals and incidentals related to board meetings.
Anyone interested in filling a spot on the board should submit resumes to Dr. Nicki Humphrey of the CDFA Animal Health Branch at nicki.humphrey@cdfa.ca.gov or via mail at 1220 N St., Sacramento, California 95814. Additional information is available on the CDFA website or by contacting Branch Chief Amanda Murray at 916-900-5004.
