Ratzlaff re-elected to county FSA committee
By WILLIAM J. HARMON
Executive Director
Marion County FSA
Ballot tabulation has been completed in the 2005 FSA county committee election which resulted in Hillsboro area farmer and rancher Marvin Ratzlaff being re-elected to serve a second three-year term, beginning in January.
Ratzlaff joins other producer committee members Eldon Andres and David Mueller. Ruth Ann Carlson shall continue her service as the committee's minority advisor. Producers who may desire to meet with the Marion County FSA committee anytime during the 2006 year should schedule appointments through the county FSA office; contacting them at 620-382-3714 in Marion.
Farmer elected county FSA committees serve as a vital link in the effective administration of USDA related programs. Committees are responsible for carrying out federal farm programs in accordance with national guidelines and directives. Some important duties include:
— Meeting periodically to make policy decisions, acting on cases involving individual farmers, and overseeing county office operations to assure funding is used efficiently.
— Help insure farmer and public understanding of FSA programs through an effective information plan.
— Offer any necessary policy recommendations to the state FSA committee.
— Conduct hearings and investigations requested by the agency.
— Supervise the annual FSA county committee election.
We express our appreciation to voters who participated in the recent election process. The county committee system can only work effectively with strong producer involvement.
Also, producers should be aware during any hazardous weather conditions in this winter season that FSA and NRCS management in local USDA service centers may have need at times to jointly determine the necessity for temporary closure of offices to ensure the safety of employees as well as the public. So, during intense sleet and snowfalls or other similar storm occurrences, contact your county FSA office prior to planning your actual visit to make certain personnel will be available to assist you with your business.
