OXFORD – Gary Raymond, executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Oxford County, has reminded farmers, ranchers and other eligible voters to cast ballots in local FSA County Committee elections before next Monday’s deadline.

“It is crucial that all farmers and ranchers in Oxford County vote in this election to give them a voice in how FSA programs are administered in our area,” said Raymond.

Ballots were mailed to eligible voters earlier this month. Eligible producers who did not received ballots should contact the local FSA offices.

Ballots must be returned to FSA offices or postmarked by Dec. 3. Elections may be challenged by nominees within 15 days after the results are posted. Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office Jan. 1, 2008.

FSA Committee members make decisions on commodity price support loans and payments, conservation and disaster programs, and other issues.

Every committee has three to five elected members. More than 8,000 county committee members serve in more that 2,300 FSA offices nationwide. This year, approximately one-third of those seats are up for election.