The Braxton-Clay-Nicholas-Webster Counties U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that County Committee elections are over and the ballots have been counted.
Roy Metheney from Nebo area in Clay County was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) 3 and Michael Smalley from Webster Springs was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) 6.
Eric Grandon of Ovapa will serve as the first alternate to LAA 3.
County committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver programs at the county level and work to serve the needs of local producers. All recently elected county committee members took office on January1, 2021 and joined the existing committee. Every FSA office is required to have a county committee, which are made up of local farmers, ranchers and foresters elected by local producers. The existing committee includes:
John Wayne – LAA 1 (Braxton)
Linda Brown – LAA 2 (Braxton)
Marcia Brown – LAA 4 (Nicholas)
Kenneth Stowers – LAA 5 (Nicholas)
County committee members impact the administration of FSA within a community by applying their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, emergency programs and eligibility.
County committee members serve local producers through their decision making and help shape the culture of a local FSA office. They also ensure the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties and are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture. Members conduct hearings and reviews as requested by the state committee, ensure underserved farmers, ranchers and foresters are fairly represented, make recommendations to the state committee on existing programs, monitor changes in farm programs and inform farmers of the purpose and provisions of FSA programs. They also assist with outreach and inform underserved producers, such as beginning farmers, ranchers, and foresters, about FSA opportunities.
For more information, visit the FSA website at fsa.usda.gov/elections or contact the office at 304-364-5103.