Governor Abbott Appoints Six To Texas Animal Health Commission
Governor Greg Abbott appointed Barret J. Klein and reappointed Michael L. Vickers, D.V.M. to the Texas Animal Health Commission for terms set to expire on September 6, 2019 and September 6, 2021, respectively. He also appointed Wendee C. Langdon, Ph.D., Joseph G. “Joe” Osterkamp, and Keith M. Staggs and reappointed Leo D. Vermedahl, Ph.D. for terms set to expire on September 6, 2023. The commission works to protect and enhance the health of animal populations across the state.
Barret J. Klein of Boerne is owner of Klein Farms and Klein Smoked Meats, LLC. He is a member and former president of the Texas Pork Producers Association, National Spotted Swine Association, Texas Association of Meat Processors, and the Kendall County Economic Development Corporation. He is also a volunteer with Kendall County 4-H, Kendall County FFA, and the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. Klein received a Bachelor of Science in animal science from Texas A&M University.
Michael L. Vickers, D.V.M. of Falfurrias is owner and president of Las Palmas Veterinary Hospital, Inc. He is chairman of the Texas Border Volunteers, Inc., member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and its bovine committee, and a member of the Director Nominating Committee for Capital Farm Credit. He is also member of the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Vickers received a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University.
Wendee C. Langdon, Ph.D. of Lubbock is a learning consultant for Pearson. She is a member of the American Society of Animal Scientists and Equine Science Society and volunteers for the Therapeutic Riding Center at Texas Tech University and St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Lubbock. She is a former volunteer ffor Lubbock Habitat for Humanity and Dumas Cinderella Project. Langdon received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture/animal science from West Texas A&M University in Canyon and a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in animal science from Texas Tech University.
Joseph G. “Joe” Osterkamp of Muleshoe is owner and partner of Stonegate Farms. He is a member of the Select Milk Producers COOP and the Muleshoe Economic Development Corporation. He is member and former chairman of the Texas Association of Dairymen and a member and former president of the Rotary Club of Muleshoe. Osterkamp received a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology from Southwestern University in Georgetown.
Keith M. Staggs of Gonzales is director of live operations of Holmes Foods, Inc. He is a member of the Texas Poultry Federation and former president of the Texas Broiler Council and the Texas Allied Poultry Association. He is former superintendent of the Harris County Livestock Show and Youth Expo Harris County and chairman of deacons and financial advisor for First Baptist Church in Gonzales. Staggs received a Bachelor of Science in poultry science from Texas A&M University.
Leo D. Vermedahl, Ph.D. of Dalhart is owner of Vermedahl Cattle Co. He is a member and former president of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and member and former executive committee member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Additionally, he is former chairman of the Texas Beef Council and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Budget and Audit Committee. Vermedahl received a Bachelor of Science in animal husbandry, a Master of Agriculture in feedlot management from Texas A&M University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in nutrition from the University of Minnesota.