Wendee Payne reappointed to Texas Animal Health Commission
By: Norman Martin
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Texas Tech Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources alumna Wendee Payne to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) for a term set to expire in 2029. Payne earned her animal science doctorate in 2012 from the Department of Animal & Food Sciences.
“Being reappointed to the Texas Animal Health Commission by Governor Greg Abbott means a great deal to me,” Payne said. “It signifies a continued trust in my expertise and commitment to upholding the state's animal health standards, maintaining the integrity of Texas' livestock industry, and safeguarding public health through effective disease prevention and control measures.”
According to the TAHC website, regulations are made and adopted by 13 governor-appointed commissioners who represent the general public and various livestock industries and professions. The commissioners serve staggered six-year terms and meet as needed to study the regulatory needs of the agency, review public comments on proposed regulation changes, and adopt new rules when necessary.
A TAHC website summary noted the governing body was established in 1893 as the Livestock Sanitary Commission and charged with protecting the state's domestic animals “from all contagious or infectious diseases of a malignant character.”
Today, it remains true to this charge while evolving with the times to protect the health and marketability of all Texas livestock and poultry, including cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine family animals, and exotic livestock.
In addition, the TAHC website, notes that its members work to keep pests from reoccurring as major livestock health hazards. Ultimately, its mission is assurance of marketability and mobility of Texas livestock. It works to sustain and continue to make a vital contribution to a wholesome and abundant supply of meat, eggs, and dairy products at affordable costs.
Payne earned her bachelor's degree in agriculture and animal science from West Texas A&M University (2005). Her master's (2007) and doctorate (2012) degrees in animal science with an emphasis in bovine reproductive physiology and equine reproductive physiology, respectively, are from Texas Tech.
The Floydada, Texas local and San Antonio native is an associate solution consultant for Infor, a multinational company headquartered in New York City that provides industry specific, enterprise software licensed for use on premises or as a service.
Payne is a former member of the American Society of Animal Scientists, National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics, and Equine Science Society. Today, as time allows, she volunteers at the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center, helps on her family's beef cattle ranch, and is heavily involved in Lubbock Alumnae Panhellenic as the official representative for her sorority. In addition, Payne serves as an Emeritus member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the Texas Tech Graduate School.
Texas Tech's fast-growing Department of Animal & Food Sciences is housed in a modern research and teaching facility with more than 30 faculty members, many of whom are leading researchers in their respective fields. Areas of research emphasis include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health, welfare, and companion animal science. The current department enrollment is 1,460 students (Graduate: 115 / Undergraduates: 1,345).
CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu
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Davis College NewsCenter
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Address
P.O. Box 42123, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2123, Dean's Office Location:Goddard Building, Room 108 -
Phone
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Email
kris.allen@ttu.edu