Ray/Clay County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that County Committee elections are over, and the ballots have been counted.

Cody Brock of Norborne was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) No. 3. Charles “Joe” Manchester of Hardin will serve as first alternate.

Greg Rhodus of Kearney was elected to represent local administrative area (LAA) No. 4.

County committee members are a criti- cal component of the day-to-day operations of FSA, helping deliver programs at the county level and working to serve the needs of local producers. All recently elected county committee members will take office this month and will be joining the existing committee. Every FSA office is required to have a county committee, made up of local farmers, ranchers and foresters who are elected by local producers.

Nearly 7,800 FSA county committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has 3-11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year. County committee members impact the administration of FSA within a community by applying their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, emergency programs and eligibility.

County committee members impact 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 Ray/Clay County FSA office at 816-776-5861, Ext. 2.