The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun mailing Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee election ballots to eligible agricultural producers and landowners nationwide.
Key Deadlines & Details
- Ballot Return Deadline: Completed ballots must be postmarked or delivered in person to the local FSA county office by close of business on December 7, 2026.
- Missing Ballots: Eligible voters who have not received a ballot can request one directly from their local FSA office.
- Term of Office: Newly elected members take office on January 1, 2027.
Why County Committees Matter
FSA county committees consist of 3 to 11 local farmers and ranchers serving staggered three-year terms. Nationwide, more than 7,700 agricultural producers serve on these committees.
Members make decisions regarding the local delivery of federal agricultural programs, including:
- Disaster recovery assistance
- Conservation programs
- Commodity and price support initiatives
- County office employment and local agricultural administration
“Participating in county committee elections gives farmers and ranchers a direct role in ensuring that their local committee reflects the needs of their agricultural community. Strong local representation helps FSA better understand and respond to the needs of the producers we serve.”
— Bill Beam, FSA Administrator
Voter Eligibility
Elections are held by Local Administrative Area (LAA), with at least one seat up for election annually. To vote, an individual must:
- Reside in an active LAA: Live in an area holding an election this cycle.
- Participate or cooperate with USDA: Either participate in a USDA program or qualify as a “cooperating producer” (someone who has provided operational records to the FSA, even without receiving direct program benefits).
- Tribal Landowners: Every member of an American Indian tribe is considered an eligible agricultural landowner if the land is tribally owned or held in trust by the U.S. government, regardless of whether they personally cultivate commodities. Tribal landowners aged 18 and older can register to vote through their local FSA office.
How to Find Your Election Area & Learn More
- Visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information on county committee elections. To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.
