Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Steven Brake and Paul FitzSimmons to the Board of Animal Health.

Steven Brake, of Wilmont, is a cattle and swine producer who has been farming since 1979. He currently farms 1500 acres in Nobles County. He also serves as President of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. He is appointed to a four-year term ending January 1, 2007. He holds one of the board positions for a livestock producer and replaces Todd Searles on the board.

Paul FitzSimmons, of Good Thunder, is a swine producer who has been farming since 1979. He currently owns over 4000 head of sows in Blue Earth County. He is a also partner in Protein Sources, LLP, which is a farm management company in Mapleton. He is appointed to a four-year term ending January 1, 2007. He holds one of the board positions for a livestock producer and replaces Sharon Baker on the board.

The Board of Animal Health oversees numerous voluntary and mandatory programs that focus on controlling and eradicating animal diseases in Minnesota. The Board consists of five members appointed by the Governor.