(a) The Cooperative Extension Service shall, by regulation, provide for the selection of five persons of legal age, resident in this state, to act as farmer members of a state advisory board. Such members shall be selected from the standpoint of their actual farming experience and comprehensive understanding of the agricultural problems of this state and shall represent, as nearly as possible, all sections of the state and all major types of farming.

(b) The state advisory board, upon the request of the Cooperative Extension Service, shall advise the Cooperative Extension Service with regard to all matters of major importance in carrying out this article and may, in the absence of such request, submit advice and information to the Cooperative Extension Service with respect to the administration of this article.