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BOARD/COMMISSION:  Board of Animal Health

Address

625 Robert Street North
St Paul, MN
55155

Web Site

Supporting Entity/Enabling Legislation Supported by Board of Animal Health

ENABLING LEGISLATION
M.S. 35.02
Enabled: 07-08-2015
Revisor of Statutes Link

Chair and Contact
CONTACT
Melissa Smith
(651) 201-6822
CHAIR
Erica Sawatzke
(320) 808-9477
TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Contact
Melissa Smith
melissa.s.smith@state.mn.us
(651) 201-6822
Yes
TITLE
NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
PRIMARY
Chair
Erica Sawatzke
ericanelson9477@gmail.com
(320) 808-9477
Yes
Membership
Membership includes three livestock producers and three licensed veterinarians, one working mainly with companion animals
Member Info

COMPENSATION

  • Per Diem: $55.00
  • Other Compensation: Mileage reimbursement

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS

  • Requires Older Member - no
  • Requires Senate Approval - yes
  • Members file campaign finance and disclosure - yes
Entity Powers and Duties, Activity Summary
The board carries out disease control programs for livestock and poultry.

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

The board carries out its responsibilities by inspecting and testing livestock and poultry for diseases specified by control and eradication programs and maintaining surveillance for specific diseases deemed to be catastrophic or adversely affecting the State's livestock or human health.
Meeting Information
Meetings typically last: 4
Meeting Frequency: The Board meetings are held quarterly.

Meetings are held at:
Typically three will be held in the Twin Cities area and one will be held in greater Minnesota near a board member's residence.


Fiscal Information
Annual Staff Hours: 80.00
Total Appropriations:
Appropriations Description:
Fiscal Year Expenses: $5,075.00

Expenses Description:

Open Positions (2)
POSITION SEAT AUTHORITY 21-DAY MIN GUARANTEE #SEATS ACTION
Livestock Producers Livestock Producers #2 Governor 11/27/2025 1 APPLY
Livestock Producers Livestock Producers #4 - Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe Located in Minnesota w/Experience in Animal Husbandry Governor 11/27/2025 1 APPLY
NAME POSITION APPLICATION DATE
Amy Brass Livestock Producers 11/24/2025
LOREN BREY Livestock Producers 11/26/2025
Verna Hultman Livestock Producers 11/27/2025
Alex Stade Livestock Producers 11/26/2025
Jessica Westbrock Livestock Producers 11/21/2025
No pending appointments found.
POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
Direct Appointments
 No Direct Appointments were found.
Current Members (7)
POSITION/SEAT
APPOINTING AUTHORITY
MEMBER NAME
STATUS
TERM END
Licensed Nutritionist
No active seats were found.
Licensed Veterinarian
Licensed Veterinarian #1
Governor
Dr. Peggy Anne Hawkins
Filled
01/03/2028
Licensed Veterinarian #2
Governor
Dr Jessica Koppien-Fox
Filled
01/01/2029
Licensed Veterinarian (Specializes in Companion Animals) #3
Governor
Abigail Maynard
Filled
01/04/2027
Livestock Producers
Livestock Producers #1
Governor
Mr Steve Neil
Filled
01/04/2027
Livestock Producers #2
Governor
Erica Sawatzke
Posted
01/05/2026
Livestock Producers #3
Governor
Mr. Brandon Schafer
Filled
01/04/2027
Livestock Producers #4 - Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe Located in Minnesota w/Experience in Animal Husbandry
Governor
Alex Stade
Posted
01/05/2026
ALL BOARDS/COMMISSIONS

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