Longtime Kansas cattlewoman Mary Ann Kniebel of White City, will represent Kansas agriculture and the Kansas beef cattle industry as a member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health.

Kniebel, who plays an integral role in the operation of her family ranching operation, Kniebel Cattle Co., will join seven other committee members, all of whom represent diverse segments of the industry from across the nation.

Mary Ann Kniebel has a strong background with cattle, playing an integral role in her family ranch operation, Kniebel Cattle Company of White City.

"Kansas is ranked third highest for the production of cattle and calves in the United States, with more than 6.1 million cattle on ranches and feedyards. Mary Ann's lifetime of experience coupled with her industry knowledge and involvement will allow her to help guide animal health decisions at USDA," said Gov. Sam Brownback.

Kniebel Cattle Co. is a founding member of U.S. Premium Beef, a cooperative that offers alternative marketing opportunities for value-added beef. There are USPB organizations in 36 states across the country.

Besides working on her own home ranch, Kniebel works part-time as a cattle nutrition consultant and serves as a member of the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health advisory committees for Johne's Disease and Trichomaniasis.

"We are proud to support Mary Ann as a representative of Kansas agriculture and the beef cattle industry on the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health," said Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman. "She has served as a valuable asset to the Kansas Animal Health Division's advisory committee and will provide valuable insight and firsthand knowledge about raising healthy animals in her new committee position." 

In her spare time, Kniebel is active in her community and within the beef industry, serving on the board of directors for both the Kansas Livestock Association and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. She is a member of the Beef Improvement Federation and was the recipient of the 2008 Commercial Producer of the Year award.

The Secretary's Advisory Committee on Animal Health advises the U.S Secretary of Agriculture on matters of animal health and broader issues of public concern. Committee members represent the greater agriculture community and make recommendations on collateral issues involving public health, conservation of natural resources, the stability of livestock economies and livestock disease management and traceability strategies.  For more information about the committee please visit this link.