Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this article govern the construction of this chapter.

“Sheep” means, but is not limited to rams, ewes, wethers, and lambs.

“Books and records” means books, records, contracts, documents, memoranda, papers, correspondence, or other written data pertaining to matters relating to the activities subject to this chapter.

“Commission” means the California Sheep Commission.

“Commissioner” means any member of the commission.

“Districts” shall consist of the following:

The boundaries of any district may be changed by a two-thirds vote of the commission, which is concurred in by the director, when necessary to maintain similar total production among the districts and to ensure proper representation by producers. These boundaries need not coincide with county lines.

“Handler” means any person engaged in the marketing of wool which he or she has produced or purchased or acquired from a producer, or is marketing on behalf of a producer whether as owner, agent, employee, broker or otherwise. A producer who markets wool to an out-of-state handler shall be considered the handler for purposes of this chapter.

“Market” means to sell, ship, distribute, or otherwise handle wool.

“Marketing research” means any research relating to the marketing of sheep, wool, and the products derived therefrom.

“Marketing year” or “fiscal year” means the period beginning April 1 of any year and ending March 31 of the following year.

“Producer” means any person in this state who raises, breeds, grows, or feeds sheep, and markets, or causes to be marketed, the wool derived therefrom and who, upon request, provides proof of commodity marketing during the preceding marketing year. “Producer” does not include any person who markets 100 pounds or less of wool in the preceding marketing year.

“Production research” means any research relating to the production of sheep, wool, and the products derived therefrom.

“Ex officio member” means a nonvoting member of the commission.