USDA Update
July 16, 2004
An error was made in last week’s column. The COC elections are actually in LAA#3. Paul Zimmerman is up for election. Sorry for the error. That’s what happens when you read last year’s paper to get your information and forget to change it for the current year. It is a good thing that Les read the paper and wondered why he was going to have to go through another election this year. The following committee election information is what should have been in last week’s column.
County Committee Elections
The election of responsible agricultural producers to FSA county committees is important to ALL farmers and ranchers with large or small operations. It is crucial that every eligible producer take part in this election because county committees are a direct link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer. They work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Beginning July 15th, nomination forms for the Kiowa County Committee LAA#3 (Local Administrative
Area - the area west of Galatea to the county line) will be available at the FSA office. Paul Zimmerman currently is the representative on the county committee for this area. The nominee must either reside or have their farm headquarters in the LAA#3 area. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. The form includes a statement that the candidate agrees to serve if elected. Farm owners, operators, tenants, and sharecroppers of legal voting age can be nominated if they meet the eligibility requirements. The final date to file a nomination form is September 3rd. The form must be either postmarked or received in the FSA office by close of business that day.
Changes
Please remember to keep our office informed of any changes you may have. Delays in program benefits are possible when address, direct deposit, and farming operation information are incorrect.