The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started mailing ballots for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country. To be counted, ballots must be returned to the FSA office or postmarked by Dec. 5.

The Nuckolls County committee has three elected members who serve three-year terms of office, and at least one seat is up for election each year. Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1. 

The nominee up for election in LAA No. 2, which includes the townships of Blaine, Elk, Hammond, Liberty and Sherman, is Brock Melton.

Melton resides in the Oak area and is currently an active part of the family farm. Brock produces a variety of crops including corn and soybeans, as well as maintains a cow-calf operation. Mr. Melton is currently an incumbent candidate with a good working knowledge of various farm programs.

Producers must participate or cooperate in an FSA program to be eligible to vote in the county committee election.

Producers can find out if their LAA is up for election and if they are eligible to vote by contacting the FSA county office. Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot in the mail can request one from the FSA county office. Visit fsa.usda.gov/elections for more information.