Lead Your FSA! Run for Your Local County Committee

Interested in serving other farmers, ranchers, and foresters in your community? We have the perfect opportunity for you! Consider being a part of your local USDA Farm Service Agency county committee. 

Nearly 7,700 agricultural producers, like you, serve on FSA county committees nationwide. Through their involvement, county committee members are a critical link between local agricultural communities and USDA. Members use their knowledge of local conditions to make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally to best serve the needs of local producers.

Committees and are composed of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Elections are held annually in every county when FSA accepts nominations for a certain Local Administrative Area. The LAA up for election rotates each year. If your LAA is up for election this year, please nominate yourself or another producer to serve on your local FSA county committee.

The nomination period is open now through August 1. 

FSA’s been across the country interviewing current committee members to spotlight their involvement in their county. Check out what a few current county committee members have to say.

Meet Miranda Sandoval: Colorado Beginning Farmer

Miranda Sandoval grew up on her family’s operation, Sandoval Ranches in Conejos County, Colorado. A fifth-generation farmer, Sandoval raises cattle and grows alfalfa. She is serving in her first year on her local FSA county committee.

“As a young farmer, I think it’s important for us to be involved. Just do it,” she said. “It’s been a great opportunity for me to learn about what’s available to producers in my area at FSA.”

Meet David Cheney: Maine Oyster Producer

David Cheney owns and operates Johns River Oysters in Lincoln County, Maine, where he produces American cocktail oysters. Oysters from his operation are sold to distributors servicing restaurants in Maine, Massachusetts, and Georgia. He currently serves as chairman of his FSA county committee.

“Becoming a committee member is a rewarding and productive activity,” Cheney said.

Meet Ruth “Pinky” Beymer: Oregon Rancher

Ruth “Pinky” Beymer is the third generation to live on the Warm Spring Indian Reservation in Central Oregon, where she is involved in the livestock and logging industry. She currently serves as vice-chair on the Jefferson County FSA County Committee.

“I’m trying to promote and support all phases of Indian agriculture,” said Beymer. “We’ve been in a drought and fire situation, so we are trying to make people aware of those programs if they’ve had losses.”

While each producer has different reasons for serving on their FSA county committee, they all agree it’s important to inform their community and fellow farmers and ranchers about FSA programs and loans. 

More Stories

You can read about other county committee members on our interactive story map. Join the conversation on social media by using #LeadYourFSA.