The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is guided by a seven-member citizen board appointed by the governor. Board members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed. Under Minnesota Statutes, three of the board members must be practicing veterinarians, one of whom specializes in companion animals, and four of the board members must be livestock producers, one of whom must be from a federally recognized tribe.

The board members elect a president and vice-president and also annually appoint a veterinarian to serve as the state veterinarian and executive director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. The board meets quarterly. Board meeting notices are posted on the Board’s website and meetings are open to the public.

Board Members

Erica Sawatzke | Board President, Poultry Producer, Kensington

Peggy Anne Hawkins, DVM | Board Vice President, Veterinarian, Northfield

Jessica Koppien-Fox, DVM | Veterinarian, Marshall

Alex Stade | Cattle Producer, Prior Lake

Steve Neil | Livestock Producer, Northfield

Brandon Schafer | Livestock Producer, Goodhue

Abigail Maynard, DVM | Veterinarian Specializing in Companion Animals, St. Paul Park

Click here to email members of the board


Video Recordings

February 6, 2024 Board Meeting


Special Meetings of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health

No special meetings currently scheduled.


Next Meeting of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health

The next quarterly meeting of the Board of Animal Health will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at the Minnesota Farm Bureau (3080 Eagandale Pl, Eagan, MN 55121) and on Microsoft Teams.

Some board members may be attending this meeting remotely.

Agenda Items*

Start time 9:30 a.m.

Erica Sawatzke
Call meeting to order
Notice of Meeting
Approval of Minutes from February 6, 2024
Approval of Agenda

Brian Hoefs
Board of Animal Health Update

Michelle Medina
Legislative Update

Stephan Schaefbauer
USDA Update

Stacy Holzbauer
Minnesota Department of Health Update

Hemant Naikare
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Update

Laura Molgaard
College of Veterinary Medicine Update

Graham Brayshaw
Kennel and Breeder Data Privacy Bill

Melissa Smith
Budget Update

Board Members
Election of Board Officers

Closed Session
Performance Review and Appointment of Executive Director

*Agenda subject to change prior to meeting.