JEFFERSON CITY – The USDA Farm Service Agency encourages all farmers, ranchers and FSA program participants to take part in the Ray/Clay Counties Committee election nomination process. FSA’s county committees are a component of the dayto-day operations of FSA, and allow grassroots input and local administration of federal farm programs. Committees are comprised of elected agricultural producers responsible for the administration of FSA farm programs in their counties. Members answer to the secretary of agriculture. If elected, members become part of an area’s decision-making and program delivery process. County committees may have an appointed advisor to further represent the interests of underserved farmers and ranchers. Underserved producers are beginners, women, minority farmers and ranchers, and landowners and/or operators who have limited resources. Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in the USDA Service Center by Aug. 1 or the next business day. For more information…