Governor Greg Abbott appointed Ben Scholz and reappointed Jimmie Ruth Evans, Barret J. Klein, Joe Leathers, and Thomas “Tommy” Oates to the Texas Animal Health Commission for terms set to expire on September 6, 2031, according to a Mar. 19 announcement. The commission is responsible for protecting and enhancing the health of animal populations across Texas.
The appointments are significant as the commission plays a key role in safeguarding livestock health, which is important for the state’s agricultural economy. The new and returning members bring experience from various sectors of agriculture and ranching.
Scholz owns B. Scholz Farms and has held leadership roles with the Texas Wheat Producers Board and National Wheat Foundation. Evans is a rancher from San Antonio involved with Wittenburg Ranch and several livestock organizations. Klein operates Klein Farms and Klein Smoked Meats, LLC, with experience in pork production associations. Leathers leads operations at 6666 Ranch and serves on boards related to cattle raising and ranching heritage. Oates is a rancher from Huntsville who previously owned Huntsville Livestock and led the Exotic Wildlife Association.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott’s office has contributed to Texas leading the nation in job growth and record employment levels. The office maintains its primary location in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to official information. Governor Abbott was also recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to official records.
The governor’s office focuses on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling, and southern border security according to its official website. Since his election in 2014, Greg Abbott has led statewide services through his office according to official sources.
