The Iowa Farm Service Agency began mailing ballots this week to eligible farmers for the 2017 FSA County Committee elections. Farmers have until December 4 to return marked ballots.

Eligible producers include those who participate or cooperate in an FSA program, and who supervise and conduct the farming operations of an entire farm.

One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs, conservation programs, indemnity and disaster programs, and emergency programs and eligibility.

Ballots include the names of candidates running for the county committee election. Eligible farmers who do not receive a ballot can pick one up at their county FSA office. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 4. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2018.

For more information, visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections, or contact your county FSA office.