TDA forms Equine Health Advisory Commission

Jan 18, 2021


Work of the newly formed Tennessee Equine Health Advisory Commission is underway with a group of experts in the equine industry. The commission was enacted by legislative action in 2020 and is charged with studying the status of equine health and emerging equine health issues.

 “Animal health is a primary focus in agriculture,” Commissioner Charlie  Hatcher,  D.V.M. said. “With this group of experts who have personal and professional knowledge in the horse industry, I’m confident animal health initiatives in our state will be even stronger.”

 The nine-member commission will promote horse health and encourage sound agricultural practices with equine activities and the breeding of equine livestock. Members of the committee are: Dr. Samantha Beaty, State Veterinarian and Assistant Commissioner for Animal Health; Monty McInturff, Tennessee Equine Hospital owner and practice manager; Kelly Burchett, horse owner; Matthew Smith, horse owner; David Terrell, carded horse show judge for numerous associations; Melanie Smith Taylor, equine clinician, television broadcaster  or  major events, and judge for hunter/jumpers and hunter seat equitation; Dr. Steve Adair, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Science associate professor;  Roger Elder, Elder’s Last Lap Ranch owner and member of UT Institute of Agriculture Advocacy Board for Animal Science; and Matt Horsman, Williamson County Extension Director.
 

Read More News

Mar 12, 2024
Heather Slayton has been selected as the Tennessee State Forester and Assistant Commissioner for the Forestry Division. She succeeds David Arnold, who is retiring after more than three decades of public service.
 
Mar 04, 2024

Value-added agriculture continues to show strong growth in Tennessee, reaching a value of $142.8 million with gains of more than 65% recorded in the sectors of sales to retail markets, processed or value-added products, and agritourism, according to the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture.

Feb 27, 2024
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is now accepting applications for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).