ROCKINGHAM — The U.S. Department of Agriculture began mailing ballots to eligible Richmond County farmers and ranchers on Monday for the 2015 Farm Service Agency County Committee elections.

Producers must return ballots to their local FSA office by Dec. 7 in order for their vote to be counted.

“County committee members represent the farmers and ranchers in their communities,” FSA Administrator Val Dolcini said in a statement. “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 of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year.

Committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make decisions on its commodity support programs; conservation programs; indemnity and disaster programs; emergency programs and eligibility.

Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. About 1.9 million producers are currently eligible to vote. Farmers and ranchers who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote.

Farmers and ranchers will begin receiving their ballots this week. Ballots include the names of candidates running for the local committee election.

Voters who do not receive ballots in the coming week can pick one up at their local FSA office. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 7. Newly elected committee members and their alternates will take office Jan. 1.

For more information, visit the Richmond County FSA office at 123 Caroline St. or call 910-895-3950.

Producers can also visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal file photo
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_bees_tractor.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal file photo

Staff reports