To have a voice in local farm program decisions, farmers and ranchers must have their ballots returned to the local Kentucky Farm Service Agency (FSA) office by Dec. 4, 2017.

The ballots, which were mailed out on Nov. 6, 2017, must be returned by Dec. 4 to ensure that their vote is counted.

Nearly 7,700 FSA County Committee members serve FSA offices nationwide. Each committee has three to 11 elected members who serve three-year terms of office. One-third of county committee seats are up for election each year. County committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to help FSA make important decisions on its commodity support programs; conservation programs; indemnity and disaster programs; emergency programs and eligibility.

Newly elected committee members will take office Jan. 1, 2018.