FARMINGTON — The USDA Farm Service Agency is seeking nominations for the county committee. Local agricultural producers up for election this year are from Carthage, Jay, Wilton, Weld and Temple.

Eligible agricultural producers are encouraged to participate in a Farm Service Agency county committee election, because committees are linked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farmers and ranchers elected to serve on county committees apply their judgment and knowledge to help with the decisions necessary to administer FSA programs in their counties, ensuring the needs of local producers are met. County committees operate within official federal regulations so that local input is provided on federal programs such as income safety-net loans and payments, including setting county average yields for commodities; conservation programs; incentive, indemnity and disaster payments on some commodities; emergency programs; and payment eligibility.

Nomination forms can be obtained by visiting a local USDA service center or at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. The last day to file a nomination form is Aug. 1.

On Nov. 7, ballots will be mailed to eligible voters, and the last day to return completed ballots to the USDA is Dec. 5. On Jan 1, 2017, newly elected committee members will take office.