Commission Members
Bill Gipson, Chairman of Bigelow, Arkansas was appointed to the Livestock and Poultry Commission by Governor Mike Huckabee in 2003 to fill the remainder of Tommy Lewis' term. He was then re-appointed in January of 2005 to a complete seven-year term. Mr. Gipson is a cattleman and farms rice, soybeans, hay, and timber in Bigelow, Arkansas. He is a member of the Perry County Quorum Court and is president of the Arkansas Quorum Courts Association. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Arkansas Counties. Mr. Gipson is a former member of the ASCS committee (FSA) and the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. Mr. Gipson's term will expire on October 14, 2012
James W. "Bill" Smith, Vice Chairman was appointed to the Livestock and Poultry Commission in 1999. He is the owner/operator of a dairy cattle operation in Carlisle, Arkansas. Mr. Smith's first term expired on January 14, 2006. He was then reappointed by Governor Mike Huckabee in 2006 to a second seven-year term, which will expire on January 14, 2013.
Mack Hayden of Russellville, Arkansas was appointed to the Livestock and Poultry Commission in 2004 by Governor Mike Huckabee. He retired from the Arkansas State Police after 27 years of service, during which time he was the recipient of many awards, including Trooper of the Year in 1980 and again in 1995. Mr. Hayden is very active in the equine industry and has been a farrier for 27 years. He is also an active member of many horse show associations and riding clubs. His term with the Livestock and Poultry Commission will expire on January 14, 2011
Dale Dixon of White Hall, Arkansas was appointed to the Livestock & Poultry Commission on February 29, 2008 by Governor Mike Beebe. He replaces Rusty Pendergraft. Mr. Dixon is President of the Southeast Arkansas District Fair at Pine Bluff and is highly involved in the equine industry with daughters participating in numerous horse shows across the country.
Greg Hale of Little Rock, Arkansas was appointed to the Livestock and Poultry Commission in February of 2009 by Governor Mike Beebe. Mr. Hale has a strong agriculture background and was raised on a family farm in Southwest Arkansas.
Ed Mabry of Batesville was appointed to the Livestock and Poultry Commission in May of 2009 By Governor Mike Beebe. He retired from John Deere after 27 years. A large part of his career was spent living overseas setting up agricultural businesses for Deere on all continents. He currently farms 420 acres in Independence County with cattle, hay, and trees, and is chairman of the Independence County Economic Development.
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