(1) The Tennessee beef promotion board shall be composed of twelve (12) members, to be appointed by the commissioner as provided in this section.
(2) All twelve (12) members of the board shall be producers of beef animals or representatives of the beef industry in the state. The members of the Tennessee beef promotion board shall be the members of the board of directors of the Tennessee beef industry council, certified under 7 CFR 1260.315. Vacancies that occur shall be filled by the commissioner from individuals nominated by the organizations that are represented on the board of directors of the Tennessee beef industry council and in the same representation ratios.
(3) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall be an ex officio nonvoting member of the board.