Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the reappointment of Steven Brake and Paul FitzSimmons to the Board of Animal Health. Both members are reappointed as representatives of livestock producers to four-year terms ending January 3, 2011.

Brake, of Wilmont, is a cattle and swine producer who has been farming since 1979. He currently farms 1500 acres in Nobles County. He is a member of the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association and served as president from 2001 to 2004. Brake formerly served on the Board of Directors of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and currently serves as the Chair of the Nobles County Zoning and Planning Board.

FitzSimmons, of Good Thunder, is a swine producer who has been farming since 1979 and currently owns over 4000 head of sows in Blue Earth County. He is a partner in Protein Sources, LLP, a farm management company in Mapleton. FitzSimmons graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in applied sciences.

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.