"All four appointees have a great deal of experience in the industry," said Gov. Owens. "I was pleased to find such qualified individuals to serve on this very important board."

Daniel Webster, a Republican, will serve as an at-large member. Webster is currently president and CEO of Webster Feed Lots, Inc. and is a member of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce. He served as the director and chairman of research and education committee for the Colorado Cattle Feeders Association. Webster received his bachelor's degree in agriculture from Colorado State University.

Robert Briggs, a Republican, will represent the First Agricultural District and is currently executive vice president of the Colorado Greenhouse Growers and owner of Briggs Flower Shop and Garden Center. Briggs is the chairman of the Westminster Open Space Committee and on the board of directors for the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District. He has his bachelor's and master's degrees in horticulture from Colorado State University.

John Salazar, a Democrat, will represent the Third Agricultural District. Salazar is a potato seed producer and farmer. He served on the board of directors for the Rio Grande Water Conservation District from 1990 to 1994 and the Colorado Agricultural Leadership Program from 1993 to 1995. Salazar has his bachelor's degree in business administration from Adams State College.

Steven Ela, a Democrat, will represent the Fourth Agricultural District. Ela is the manager and partner in Silver Spruce Partners, a family-run orchard operation. He is the vice president of the Western Colorado Horticultural Society and Rogers Mesa Domestic Water Association. Ela has his bachelor's degree in biology and environmental geology from Beloit College in Wisconsin. He received his master's degree in soil science from the University of Minnesota.

Peggy H. Lewis, a Republican from Kremmling, has been reappointed to the Board to represent the Fourth Agricultural District.