(TRENTON) – Gloucester County veterinarian Ernest Beier III and Hunterdon County landscape and nursery owner David DeFrange II were sworn in to their terms on the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture during the Board’s regular meeting held June 26 at The Horse Park of New Jersey.

Beier and DeFrange were elected at the State Agricultural Convention to be nominated by the Governor, and later confirmed by the State Senate.

 “We are glad to have Dr. Ernie Beier and David DeFrange join the State Board of Agriculture and they will be great additions,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher said. “Their vast knowledge and experience will be a great asset to the Board, which sets policy for the industry throughout the entire state.”

Beier has had his own business, Beier Veterinary Services, in Mickleton, since 2000. He does farm, house call, and emergency service. He also has weekly hours and covers emergencies at Decktor Veterinary Hospital and Clinic in Woodstown. Since 1980, he has owned and operated Ratting Run Farm in Mickleton, which features livestock management and production and hay production. Dr. Beier has also served as the Gloucester County Fair veterinarian since 2002.

He did his undergraduate work at Lynchburg College in Virginia and earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and Master’s Degree in Clinical Pharmacology from The College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Beier is a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Equine Practitioners, the New Jersey Veterinary Medicine Association, and serves on the Gloucester County Board of Agriculture.

DeFrange owns and operates Copper Creek Landscape Management in Frenchtown. He has owned his business for more than 25 years. He does general maintenance and installation of landscape and historical restorations and consults on solar projects looking to install native plants. DeFrange is also pursuing the nurturing of plant materials to be grown on farmland or designated growing areas.

He graduated from Delaware Valley College with a degree in bioscience and ornamental horticulture environmental design. DeFrange is a member of the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association, where he has been treasurer and on the board of directors. He is a graduate of the Agricultural Leadership Development Program and is first vice-president on the Hunterdon County Board of Agriculture.

The State Board of Agriculture comprises eight members who serve for four years. By law, at least four of its members must represent the top commodity groups in the state.  Members serve without salary. For more information, visit www.nj.gov/agriculture/about/sba. 

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