The Pecos-Terrell County U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency announced that Payden Ward of Sheffield and Kati Rogers of Fort Stockton were elected to represent their local administrative areas during the recent county committee election.

"County Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA,” said Carla Spencer, county executive director. "They help deliver programs at the county level and work to serve the needs of local producers. Our recently elected county committee member will take office in January 2022 and will be joining the existing committee.”

Every FSA office is served by a county committee made up of local farmers, ranchers and foresters who are elected by local producers. Other members currently serving on the FSA county committee include Todd Suter and Mark Hursh.

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 provide a service to local producers through their decision making and ensure the fair and equitable administration of FSA farm programs in their counties. They are accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Members conduct hearings and reviews as requested by the state committee, ensure that 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 Pecos-Terrell County FSA office at 432-336-5206.