ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BILL HARMON FARM SERVICE AGENCY
Ballots for this year’s Farm Service Agency county committee election were mailed to eligible voters on Nov. 4. Voters must complete their ballots and return them to the identified county FSA office by the close of business on Dec. 5.
If you did not receive a ballot and believe you should have, contact the county office for a ballot and certification envelope for your use.
Cast ballots must have sufficient postage affixed or be hand-delivered by the established deadline. Voting by power of attorney or proxy is not allowed.
Voters may select only one candidate for election as a county committee member to serve a three-year term beginning January 2006.
Voters are cautioned that after their vote is cast, they must sign the return ballot envelope in the designated area in order for their ballot to be counted.
The current county committee will tabulate all validly cast ballots at 10 a.m., Dec. 12, in the Marion County USDA Service Center, 301 Eisenhower, Marion. This activity is open to public review.
FSA county committees help ensure FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Committees provide input on commodity price-support loans and payments, conservation programs and disaster assistance.
FSA committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws. Committees consist of three members and may have one or more appointed advisers to further represent the interests of minority and women farmers and ranchers.
Bill Harmon is executive director of the Marion County FSA office.
