(1) The board may:

(a) Conduct or contract for scientific research to discover and develop the commercial value of sheep and sheep products;

(b) Disseminate reliable information founded upon the research undertaken under this article, showing the uses or probable uses of sheep and sheep products;

(c) Study state and federal legislation with respect to tariffs, duties, reciprocal trade agreements, import quotas, and other matters of trade concerning the sheep industry;

(d) Sue and be sued as a board, without individual liability, for acts of the board within the scope of the powers conferred upon it by this article;

(e) Enter into contracts which it deems appropriate to the carrying out of the purposes of the board as authorized by this article;

(f) Make grants to research agencies for the financing of special or emergency studies or for the purchase or acquisition of facilities necessary to carry out the purposes of the board as authorized by this article;

(g) Appoint subordinate officers and employees of the board and prescribe their duties and fix their compensation;

(h) Cooperate with and enter into contracts with any local, state, or nationwide organization or agency engaged in work or activities similar to those of the board and enter into contracts with such organizations or agencies for carrying on joint programs;

(i) Act jointly and in cooperation with the federal government or any agency thereof in the administration of any program of the government or of a governmental agency deemed by the board to be beneficial to the sheep industry of this state and expend funds in connection therewith if such program is compatible with the powers conferred by this article;

(j) Adopt, rescind, modify, or amend all proper regulations, orders, and resolutions for the exercise of its powers and duties; and

(k) Enter into contracts for the promotion of sheep and for the development of new markets through such promotion.

(2) The board shall establish a license fee for the purpose of funding the services provided to the sheep industry by the board and for funding the activities of the board performed pursuant to the provisions of this article.