FSA taking nominations for committee elections

The Farm Service Agencies for Cass and Crow Wing counties and Aitkin County are taking nominations for the annual county committee elections.

Local Administrative Area 2 in Crow Wing County and Local Administrative Area 3 in Aitkin County are holding elections.

LAA 2 covers the southeast part of Crow Wing County, including the townships of Wolfred, Rabbit Lake, Irondale, Deerwood, Nokay Lake, Bay Lake, Maple Grove, Garrison, Platte Lake and Roosevelt.

LAA 3 in Aitkin County includes the townships of Aitkin, Farm Island, Glen, Hazelton, Kimberly, Malmo, Nordland, Spencer and Wealthwood.

Nominations will be accepted from any eligible producers in these areas. The deadline for receiving nominations is Jan. 21.

Nomination forms for LAA 2 can be picked up at the FSA office located at 512 N.E. C St., Brainerd, or call 829-5965, extension 2. For LAA 3, contact the Aitkin FSA Office in Aitkin or call 927-2912.

Producers will receive ballots in February. Ballots for LAA 2 in Crow Wing County will be counted March 14. Ballots for LAA 3 in Aitkin County will be counted March 6.

Those nominated should be currently engaged in the operation of a farm or ranch and be qualified for committee work. A farmer is eligible to be a County FSA Committee member if the farmer lives in the LAA and is an eligible voter. County FSA Committee members may not hold positions in certain farm and commodity organizations, if these positions pose a conflict of interest with FSA duties. These positions include functional offices such as president, vice president, secretary and positions on boards or executive committees.

The duties of County FSA Committee member include informing farmers of the purpose and provisions of the FSA programs; keeping the State FSA Committee informed of LAA conditions; recommending needed changes in farm programs; participating in county meetings as necessary; and performing other duties as assigned by the State FSA Committee.