The USDA Farm Service Agency’s county committee elections are under way.

Linda Hennen, the FSA’s executive director for Minnesota, said ballots are being mailed to eligible voters. The deadline to return ballots to local FSA offices is Dec. 7.

Hennen said the FSA county committee system is unique among government agencies, because it allows producers to make important decisions concerning the local administration of federal farm programs. Committee members make decisions on disaster and conservation payments, establishment of allotments and yields, producer appeals, employing FSA county executive directors and other local issues.

To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in FSA programs.