Time to vote

SPRINGFIELD — Scherrie V. Giamanco, state executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Illinois, wishes to remind farmers, ranchers and other eligible voters to cast ballots in their local FSA County Committee elections before next Monday’s deadline.

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

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

Ballots must be returned to FSA offices or postmarked by Monday. Elections may be challenged by nominees within 15 days after the results of an election are posted. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office Jan. 1, 2010.