Be the Link: Collaboration and Connection

By Joshua Coleman, Farm Service Agency

It's time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency's (FSA) annual county committee elections. We're introducing you to current committee members across the nation throughout the nomination period, which runs now through Aug. 1, 2024. This week, meet Melva McGee Johnson of Brazos County, Texas.

Instilled and Embraced

Farming and agriculture have been instilled in Melva McGee Johnson her entire life. For generations, Melva's family has embraced farming as a way of life.

"Farming and agriculture is all I knew growing up as a child. I was raised on a farm which was right next door," Melva said. "Our first cow was named Susie, we had chickens and hogs. We planted and produced peas, corn, watermelons and other vegetables. In the early years, my dad used my grandfather's mule to assist with planting our small crops. The crops were used for consumption and sales."

Wanting to leave an inheritance for her children and grandchildren to enjoy, Melva pursued her own operation.

"The process began around 2013 and it was my dream to one day own these nine acres of land which was an old black school where both of my parents attended around 1950," she said. "In 2018, I was able process my loan and purchased a few cows, some farm equipment and began my farm."

Best Interest at Heart

Melva was appointed in 2022 as a member of her local county committee. Authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, USDA can appoint voting members to county committees when statistical evidence identifies the committee composition lacks diverse representation. As an appointed member, Melva is the voice for other minority and female farmers and ranchers.

County committee members are elected by their peers to serve as a direct link between the agricultural community and USDA. Each year, FSA accepts nominations for a certain Local Administrative Area and the LAA up for election rotates each year.

"We are the voice for farmers and ranchers, and we have their best interest at heart when we [make] decisions," Melva said.

As a member of the committee, Melva attends the monthly meetings and shares information about crop conditions and weather, including rainfall totals, with the office staff and fellow committee members. While she educates others about conditions impacting her and her community, Melva also sees the committee as an educational experience for herself.

"I enjoy attending the monthly meeting and each time I gain more knowledge about services available through FSA," she said. "I also enjoy collaborating with my fellow county committee members and we work great together."

Connections

Producers on the committee help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level, and work to make federal farm programs serve the needs of local producers. Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates.

Agricultural producers may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee if they participate or cooperate in a USDA program and reside in the LAA that is up for election this year. Melva encourages others to consider being involved on their local committee.

"First, I would say being nominated and then selected as a county committee member has changed my life in a positive way," she said. "It's an opportunity to get involved in your local community. Also, I am able to connect and share information with farmers who are not aware of the services provided by USDA-FSA."

More Information

For more information on FSA county committee elections, contact your local FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov/elections.

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