Commission
TAHC regulations are made and adopted by 13 governor-appointed commissioners who represent the general public and various livestock industries and professions. The commissioners serve staggered six-year terms and meet as needed to study the regulatory needs of the agency, review public comments on proposed regulation changes, and adopt new rules when necessary.
Current Commissioners
TAHC Chairman
Represents Cattle Raisers
Chairman Locke of Wharton, Texas, is a partner and manager of the Locke Division of J.D. Hudgins Ranch and the president of J.D. Hudgins, Inc. He is an honorary director of the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, lifetime committee member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He is also a past president and lifetime director of the American Brahman Breeders Association and Texas Brahman Association, and past chairman of the Texas Beef Council and the Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas. Locke received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Abilene Christian University. His term as TAHC Chairman is set to expire September 6, 2027.
Represents Veterinary Medicine Practitioners
Commission Broyles of Weatherford, Texas, is an Associate Equine Surgeon at Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery. She is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, the Texas Thoroughbred Association, and the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians. Broyles received a BS in Animal Science from Middle Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University. Her term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2027.
Represents the Sheep and Goat Industry
Commissioner Evans of San Antonio is a rancher and partner of Wittenburg Ranch. She is a member and past president of the San Antonio Livestock and Rodeo, and the honorary chair of the Young Women's Leadership Academy. Evans is also a member and past president of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association. Evans received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University. Her term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2025.
Represents the General Public
Commissioner Johnson of Houston is the president and CEO of Collaborative for Children. She previously served as president and CEO of the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science. Prior to this appointment, she served as NASA's Space Center Houston's Director of Education. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the HCA Houston Medical Center and the Foundation Board of Texas Southern University, and former member of the Council of the Texas Association of Museums. Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts in International Trade and French from Auburn University, a Master of Hospitality Management from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate of Education from Texas Southern University. Her term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2025.
Represents the Livestock Market Industry
Commissioner Jordan of San Saba, Texas, is the owner and operator of K Jordan Cattle Auctions and is the Mayor of San Saba. He is a member of the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, Livestock Marketing Council, National Finance Credit Corporation of Texas, and San Saba Chamber of Commerce. Jordan received a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University. His term as a TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2027.
Represents the Swine Industry
Commissioner 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. His term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2025.
Represents the General Public
Commissioner Payne of Lubbock is the Associate Director of Development for the Graduate School at Texas Tech University. She volunteers for the Therapeutic Riding Center at Texas Tech University and St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Lubbock. Dr. Payne 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 (emphasis in bovine reproductive physiology and equine reproductive physiology, respectively) from Texas Tech University. Her term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2023.
Represents the Equine Industry
Commissioner Leathers of Guthrie is the general manager of 6666 Ranch. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, U.S. CattleTrace, Inc., and is a member of the National Ranching Heritage Association. Leathers attended Clarendon College. His term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2025.
Represents the Exotic Livestock and Fowl Industry
Commissioner Oates of Huntsville is a rancher and owner of Huntsville Livestock. He currently serves as the president of the Exotic Wildlife Association. Oates attended Sam Houston State University. His term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2025.
Represents the Dairy Industry
Commissioner 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. His term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2023.
Represents the Poultry Industry
Commissioner 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. His term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2023.
Represents the General Public
Commissioner Turner of Kingsville, Texas, is an Associate Professor of Natural Resource Management at Texas A&M University – Kingsville. He is a member of the Society for Range Management, the System Dynamics Society, and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. Turner received a BA in Agriculture, is a Cum Laude Graduate from Sam Houston State University, an MSc in Agribusiness from Texas A&M University – Kingsville, and a PhD in Philosophy in Life Sciences and Natural Resource Management from South Dakota State University. His term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2027.
Represents the Feedlot Industry
Commissioner Vermedahl of Dalhart is owner of Vermedahl Cattle Company. He is a member and former president of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Agriculture in Feedlot Management from Texas A&M University. Vermedahl's term as TAHC commissioner is set to expire September 6, 2023.