Farmers who plan to vote in Alabama Farm Service Agency county committee elections may begin mailing in ballots Monday, Nov. 6.

Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 4 to ensure that their vote is counted.

“County committee members represent the farmers and ranchers in our Alabama communities,” said Jacqueline McCloud, acting executive director for the Alabama FSA. “Producers elected to these committees have always played a vital role in local agricultural decisions. It is a valued partnership that helps us better understand the needs of the farmers and ranchers we serve.”

Nearly 7,700 FSA county committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year.

McCloud said producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election. Those who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm, but are not of legal voting age, also may be eligible to vote.

Farmers and ranchers will begin receiving their ballots the week of Nov. 6. Ballots include the names of candidates running for the local committee election.

Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2018.

For more information, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections or call 256-232-4025