The November General Election may be over, but farmers and ranchers across the U.S. still have important decisions to make.
This week, producers will begin receiving ballots for their U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) County Committee Election.
“County committee members represent the farmers and ranchers in their communities,” said Val Dolcini, FSA administrator. “Producers elected to these committees have always played a vital role in local agricultural decisions. They are essential to the daily operation of nearly 2,200 offices across the country. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.”
Nearly 7,700 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide.
Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms.
One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year.
According to FSA, county committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs; conservation programs; indemnity and disaster programs; emergency programs; and eligibility.
To be eligible to vote in FSA County Committee elections, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program.
About 1.9 million farmers and ranchers are eligible to vote.
Ballots are due to local FSA offices by Monday, Dec. 7.