Stout lone candidate on local FSA ballot

The Farm Service Agency has mailed out ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers in the area for votes in the 2016 FSA county committee election. The nationwide election began Monday, Nov. 7.

On the ballot here is one seat. Greg Stout, who is currently serving in his second term, is up for re-election. He is running unopposed for his third and final term.

Also serving on the board are Corde Seigel and Andrea Miller. Board elections are on a staggering basis, so one seat is on the ballot each year.

According to an FSA press release, nearly 7,700 individuals serve on FSA county committees nationwide, and each committee has three to 11 elected members serving three-year terms. Ballots mailed out include the names of candidate running for local committee elections.

“Producers elected to FSA county committees play a vital role in local agricultural decisions,” said Val Dolcini, Farm Service Agency administrator. “Their contributions are essential to the daily operation of nearly 2,200 offices across the country. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.”

Patrick Lewis, Whitman County FSA executive director, said the county committee is an important entity for the USDA programs.

“It is the place where someone can have direct impact on how our county programs are run,” he said. “These are people who can affect change. It's not just a government suit in the office.”

He said 1,044 ballots were mailed out to people here. Those who receive ballots are participants in FSA and USDA programs.

“Someone can serve three consecutive terms, or nine years, before they have to take at least a term off,” said Lewis.

The ballots for the election were mailed Monday, and they are due back to local FSA offices by Dec. 5. Newly-elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2017. Voters who have not received a ballot can pick one up from the Whitman County FSA office in Colfax.

For more information, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections