The California Sheep Commission began its existence in April of 1999 following an overwhelming approval from the sheep producers of the state. The founding legislation allows the commission to use producer dollars to promote sheep and sheep products, to conduct education and research that would benefit sheep producers, and to provide funding to aid in the protection of livestock.

The Commission has organized itself into 4 committees including Promotion and Advertising, Production Research and Education, Communications, and Livestock Protection. A slate of officers and one additional commissioner comprise the executive committee. Proposals for the expenditure of funds are evaluated by the appropriate committee before submission to the commission.