Board Members and Meetings

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

Vacant | Veterinarian Specializing in Companion Animals

Click here to email members of the board

Video Recordings

September 27, 2023 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, September 27, 2023, at 100 W College Dr Suite 300, Marshall, MN 56258. and virtually on Microsoft Teams. 

Some board members may be attending this meeting remotely.

Connect Remotely on Teams:

Agenda Items*

Start time 9:30 a.m.

Erica Sawatzke
Call meeting to order
Notice of Meeting
Approval of Minutes from April 12, 2023
Approval of Agenda

Brian Hoefs
Board of Animal Health Update

Michelle Medina
Legislative Update

Stephan Schaefbauer
USDA Update

Joni Scheftel
Minnesota Department of Health Update

Albert Rovira
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Update

Laura Molgaard
College of Veterinary Medicine Update

Shauna Voss
Poultry Update

Mackenzie Reberg
Update to Swine Vesicular Testing Plan at High Incidence Swine Plants

Veronica Bartsch
Companion Animal and Rabies Update

Katie Cornille
Exhibition and Fair Season Overview

Heather Damico
Horse Shows and Rules

*Agenda subject to change prior to meeting.