The Jackson FSA County Committee election will begin soon. Farmers and ranchers in Local Administrative Area 3 will elect an individual to represent them for a three-year term on the local Farm Service Agency County Committee. Election ballots will be mailed beginning Monday, Nov. 5, to all eligible voters in LAA 3.

USDA relies on the local leadership of farmers and ranchers that are elected to the Farm Service Agency’s county committee system. Farmers know their communities and business best—and the Farm Service Agency draws from their local knowledge to make national farm programs work here at the local level.

David Bush is the sole candidate for this year’s election and is currently serving as the representative for LAA 3; however, an election must be conducted in case there are other eligible write-in candidates. Eligible voters in LAA 3 must cast their ballots by no later than December 3, 2012. (Note: tribal members are eligible voters if their tribe has an agricultural interest in the LAA that is holding an election. They are also eligible to serve on the County Committee.)

If you are an eligible voter in LAA 3 and do not receive a ballot, please contact the FSA office to obtain one. All ballots must be returned to the FSA office or be postmarked by close of business Dece. 3, 2012. Ballots will be counted publicly at 10 a.m., Dec. 6 at the Jackson County FSA Office located at 3100 N Main Street, Suite C, in Altus. The nominee with the most votes will serve a three-year term representing LAA 3 beginning Jan. 1, 2013.

Fact sheets and additional nomination forms may be found at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov and then clicking on “State Offices”, “Oklahoma”, and then “Learn More About County Committee Elections”.

Additional information about County Committee elections can also be obtained by calling (580) 482-4312, Extension 2, or by visiting the Jackson County FSA Office, 3100 N Main Street, Suite C, in Altus. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m.