By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) awarded more than $207,000 in scholarships to graduating high school students and enrolled college students this spring.
“Between tuition, housing and school supplies, it can be expensive to attend trade schools, colleges and universities,” Whit Weems, TFB director of Organization, said. “These scholarships are our way of helping deserving students further their education while investing in the future of Texas.”
Thirteen graduating seniors were awarded Young Farmer & Rancher scholarships. One student received the Dick Mitchell Memorial Scholarship, and 13 seniors were awarded memorial and honorary scholarships. An additional 39 graduating seniors received district scholarships.
Enrolled college students also received financial assistance from TFB.
Conner McKinzie received the S.M. True Jr. Agricultural Scholar Award (link to The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages America’s farmers and ranchers to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their local county committee. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept nominations for county committee members beginning June 14.
“I encourage America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest stewards to nominate candidates to lead, serve, and represent their community on their county committee,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “There’s an increasing need for diverse representation including underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and minority farmers and ranchers.”
Farmers and ranchers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate.
“Committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally,” Fordyce said. “Their input is vital on how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues.”
Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serving on FSA county committees.
The committees are made of three to 11 members and typically meet once a month. Members serve three-year terms. Farmers and ranchers serving on the FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the agency.
Farmers and ranchers should visit their local FSA office today to find out how to get involved in the county’s election. Check with the local USDA service center to see if the local administrative area is up for election this year. Organizations, including those representing beginning, women and minority producers, also may nominate candidates.
To be considered, a farmer or rancher must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/elections. All nomination forms for the 2019 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1.
Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 4. Read more to learn about important election dates.