FSA county committee nominations sought

Nominations for the USDA’s Wisconsin Farm Service Agency county committee farmer and rancher candidates have begun.

The nomination period continues through Aug. 2, with elections taking place this fall.

“I encourage all producers to participate in the county committee election process by nominating candidates by the Aug. 2 deadline,” said Sis Dueholm, county executive director, in a press release announcing the nomination process. “We are counting on as much participation as possible, because county committees are an important link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in Rhine, Russell, Greenbush, Mitchell or Scott township.

Producers may also nominate themselves, and organizations representing minority and women may also nominate candidates. To become a nominee, eligible individuals must sign form FSA-669A.

Nomination forms for the 2010 election must be postmarked or received in the Sheboygan County FSA Office, 650 Forest Ave., Sheboygan Falls 53085 by close of business on Aug. 2. Call (920) 467-9917 ext. 2 to obtain a nomination form.

FSA county committee members make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other important agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms.

Nationally, there are more than 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to five members who are elected by eligible local producers.

FSA will mail ballots to producers beginning Nov. 5. The completed ballots are due back to the local county office via mail or in person by Dec. 6.

Newly elected committee members and alternates take office Jan. 1, 2011.