Offer county committee nominations now

Opportunity presents itself periodically in different ways for each of us.

Sometimes we have a chance to help out a friend or family member in need. Other times might include an expanded business opportunity or promotion; or a chance to travel or work in an exotic new place; or some other way to impact our own existence, and at the same time, the lives of others.

One of those opportunities to provide a productive service to friends and neighbors, and to share your talents and expertise in the farming/ranching business, can come through participation in the Farm Service Agency committee.

It is time again for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers to begin nominating eligible candidates to serve on local Farm Service Agency county committees, according to Adrian Polansky, state executive director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in Kansas.

"County committees play a vital role in the administration of federal farm programs and the positive effect they have on rural communities," said Polansky.

FSA county committees make decisions on commodity price support loans, the Conservation Reserve Program and other conservation programs, disaster programs, including SURE, employing county executive directors and other significant agricultural issues as well.

Nationwide, there are about 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on 2,244 FSA county committees. Committees generally consist of three members who are elected by eligible voters in the county.

To hold office as a county committee member, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Additionally, organizations representing minorities and women may nominate candidates.

The county is divided into three districts referred to as Local Administrative Areas. An election is held in one of these areas alternately each year, with the elected individual serving a three-year term.

The area of Bourbon County hosting this year's election is LAA2 which includes the townships of Timberhill, Freedom, Osage, Mill Creek and Scott north of U.S. Highway 54.

Edward Karleskint is currently serving in this position and is eligible for re-nomination.

All nominees must sign nomination form FSA-669A, which includes a statement that the nominee agrees to serve if elected. Form FSA-669A is available at USDA service centers and online at: http:// www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=newsroom&subject= landing&topic=cce.

All nomination forms for the 2012 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA service center by close of business on Aug. 1.

The county committee nomination period begins June 15. Voting takes place in the fall. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by Nov. 5.

The final day to return ballots to the local USDA Service Center this year is Dec. 3. Newly elected county committee members take office Jan. 1, 2013.

For more information about FSA county committees, visit a local USDA service center or go online at: http:// www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=newsroom&subject= landing&topic=cce.