GALVESTON COUNTY PRODUCERS HAVE UNTIL TOMORROW – MONDAY, AUGUST 1ST TO SUBMIT FSA COUNTY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS

Angleton, Texas, July 24, 2018 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director for Galveston County, Julie Goetzman, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1, 2018, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.
 
County committees are made up of farmers and ranchers elected by other producers in their communities to guide the delivery of farm programs at the local level. Committee members play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of FSA.
 
“The Aug. 1 deadline is quickly approaching,” said Goetzman. “If you know of a great candidate or want to nominate yourself to serve on your local county committee, visit your FSA office before the deadline to submit the nomination form. I especially encourage the nomination of beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as women and minorities. This is your opportunity to have a say in how federal programs are delivered in your county.”
 
Committees consist of three to 11 members and meet once a month or as needed to make important decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. Nationwide there are over 7,700 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees.
To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program and reside in the local administrative area where the election is being held. A complete list of eligibility requirements, more information and nomination forms are available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.
 
All nominees must sign the nomination form FSA-669A. All nomination forms for the 2018 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA county office by Aug. 1, 2018. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters by Nov. 5 and are due back to the local USDA Service Centers on Dec. 3. The newly elected county committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2019.
 
Membership Is Key to Our Farm Bureau’s Success
 
It’s a great time to be a member of Brazoria-Galveston County Farm Bureau, and the organization welcomes new members to add strength to its numbers and influence, according to its president.“We pride ourselves on being the Voice of Texas Agriculture, but you don’t have to be a farmer or rancher to be a member of Brazoria-Galveston County Farm Bureau. We invite everyone who has an interest in supporting agriculture and the rural way of life to be a part of our organization,” said Tom Ferguson, Brazoria-Galveston County Farm Bureau president. “There are a lot of things to like about being a Farm Bureau member right now.”
 
Ferguson said a membership with Brazoria-Galveston County Farm Bureau also provides the family with a membership to Texas Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation, the largest general farm and ranch organizations in the state and in the world, respectively. Membership dues with Brazoria-Galveston County Farm Bureau are $40 per year for a family. “We believe private property rights are worth protecting. Free and fair trade is necessary. The rural way of life is worth preserving, and a prosperous agriculture ensures a viable, domestic source of food, fiber and fuel,” Ferguson said.
 
Ferguson noted in addition to representation in Austin and Washington, D.C., members save time and money with an array of benefits, from health solutions to vehicles to entertainment. A list of member benefits and services can be found online at www.texasfarmbureau.org/membership or at 979-849-9331
 
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.