WASHINGTON — Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced the appointment of Texas veterinarian Tom Portillo, D.V.M., as chair of the Cattle Health and Well Being Committee.
“Dr. Portillo is a distinguished veterinarian and has shown a deep-rooted commitment to the cattle industry,” said NCBA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons, staff liaison to the committee. “Dr. Portillo’s experience will be extremely valuable as NCBA advocates for greater disease preparedness efforts and other policies that protect the cattle industry and our way of life.”
As a grassroots organization, NCBA policy committees provide a venue for cattle producers to discuss issues facing the cattle industry and pass policy resolutions that direct the association’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. The Cattle Health and Well Being Committee has jurisdiction over NCBA policies involving animal health, animal welfare, veterinary research, disease prevention, and related issues.
Dr. Portillo has been an NCBA member for 21 years and held numerous leadership positions. He served as vice chair of the Cattle Health and Well Being Committee and held positions on the NCBA Antimicrobial Resistance Policy Advisory Group, NCBA Research Council, NCBA Bi-National Committee, and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Portillo is also a member of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association Board of Directors, serving on their Legislative and Regulatory Committee. Dr. Portillo is a past president and past board member of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants. He was also feedlot coordinator for the American Association of Bovine Practitioners in 2014 and 2018 and feedlot session coordinator in 2019 for the Western Veterinary Conference.
Dr. Portillo has been involved in the cattle industry professionally for over 20 years and has experience in many areas of cattle health, including private practice, feedyard consulting, technical services veterinarian for a pharmaceutical company, and as director of animal heath for a large cattle feeding company. He has also participated in several cattle health research trials and has authored research papers on cattle health. Dr. Portillo was awarded the 2016 Award in Excellence in Preventative Medicine by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and awarded the 2015 Consultant of the Year by the Academy of Veterinary Consultants.
Policy committee leaders serve a two-year term expiring at the end of 2024. To learn more about NCBA’s grassroots policy process, visit ncba.org/policy.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America’s cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.
–National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
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