Five Texans are among the 36 representatives set to serve new terms on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced David Henderson of Tennessee Colony, Amy Kirkland of Vega, Jared Ranly, DVM of Lott, and Wesley Ratcliff of Oakwood were appointed to serve beginning February 2025. Also appointed on the Importer Unit was Selwyn Jones of Wimberley.

The CBB is the oversight of the beef checkoff, which is the collection of $1 per head on all cattle sold in the U.S. and $1 per head equivalent on imported cattle, beef and beef products.

The board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985 and is composed of 99 members representing 34 states and five units. Members must be beef producers or importers of beef and beef products nominated by certified producer organizations.

The full list of newly appointed members includes:

  • Arizona – Sine Kerr, Buckeye
  • Colorado – Angelina Kelleghan, Loma
  • Iowa – E. Michael Holden, Scranton; and Amy Glick, Solon
  • Kansas – Evan Lesser, Palco; and Larry Kendig, Osborne
  • Louisiana – John M. Thompson, Saint Francisville
  • Michigan – Monte J. Bordner, Sturgis
  • Minnesota – Bill Post, Chandler
  • Mississippi –Janet Gent Parker, Seminary
  • Missouri – Mark Anthony Fellwock, Monett
  • Nebraska – Becky R. Potmesil, Alliance; Joyce Racicky, Mason City; and Joan Ruskamp, Dodge (2-year term)
  • New Mexico – Boe C. Lopez, Springer
  • North Carolina – Brian D. Warren, Newton Grove
  • Oklahoma – Leanne Robison, Stillwater
  • South Dakota – VeaBea Thomas, Harrold; and Oren L. Lesmeister, Parade
  • Tennessee – Gary W. Daniel, Cypress Inn
  • Texas – Wesley Ratcliff, Oakwood; Amy Kirkland, Vega; Jared Ranly, D.V.M., Lott; and David Henderson, Tennessee Colony
  • Utah – Mark J. Wintch, Milford
  • Wisconsin – Arin Crooks, Lancaster; and Steve Springer, Linden
  • Wyoming – Gwen Geis, Gillette
  • Mid-Atlantic Unit – Creed Ward, Volga, West Virginia
  • Northeast Unit – Warren W. Nop, Middlebury, Vermont
  • Southwest Unit – Kristin A. McQueary, Ruby Valley, Nevada; Cindy Tews, Hanford, California; and Carlos Carrillo, Hanford, California
  • Importer Unit – Jason Frost, Washington, D.C.; Selwyn Jones, Wimberley, Texas; and Matthew Allan, Washington, D.C.

More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattlemen’s Beef Board webpage.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight to 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

To learn more about the beef checkoff and its programs, including promotion, research, foreign marketing, industry information, consumer information and safety, visit DrivingDemandForBeef.com.