Melva McGee Johnson serves as a member on her FSA county committee in Brazos County, Texas. Photo by Joshua Coleman, FSA.

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.” Continue reading →

Adam Hill, director of urban agriculture and community garden programs at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, is a member of the FSA urban county committee in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Adam Hill.

By Melissa Webreck, Farm Service Agency

It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s 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 Adam Hill, chairperson of the FSA urban county committee in Philadelphia.

Connected to the Land

Adam developed his love for agriculture while studying indigenous farming techniques in Guatemala and southern Mexico. When he returned to the U.S., he wanted to grow and help promote sustainable farming practices and stay connected to the land. Continue reading →

Linda Hanson, member of the FSA county committee in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, enjoys meeting other producers and learning how they benefit from FSA programs. Photo by Francine Kealey.

By Francine Kealey, Farm Service Agency  

It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s 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 Linda Hanson of Plymouth County, Massachusetts. 

Farm and Family 

Hanson Farm has been in operation since the mid-1930s. Linda’s husband Bob is the third generation to live in the original farmhouse where he and Linda work and raised their family. 

Linda and Bob met after Bob graduated from college and that’s when he decided to start a dairy as part of their operation alongside his brother, David. Linda now manages the dairy parlor. Hanson Farm also grows and sells vegetables, eggs, firewood, hay and straw.   Continue reading →

Lee Nunn, member of the FSA county committee in Morgan County, Georgia, values the conversations with fellow farmers and assisting FSA staff with local issues. Photo by Ansley Hatcher, FSA.

By Jay Ivey, Farm Service Agency 

It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s 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 Samuel “Lee” Nunn of Morgan County, Georgia. 

Starting from Scratch 

Lee Nunn has been involved in agriculture for his entire life. Growing up on his family’s dairy farm he helped on the dairy farm as his grandfather neared retirement. Despite his passion for the agriculture industry, Lee took a break from farming to start his construction company until an opportunity to farm again came about in 2005.  Continue reading →

Book St. Goddard and his wife Verna Billedeaux, along with nephew, Jon St. Goddard, raise beef cattle on their ranch on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. USDA photo.

By Elise Gaboury, Farm Service Agency 

 It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s 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 Book St. Goddard, member of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana. 

Passing Down Traditions 

Book St. Goddard is a third-generation rancher raising beef cattle, barley and alfalfa hay on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in northwestern Montana. Book operates the ranch with his wife Verna Billedeaux and nephew, Jon St. Goddard.  

While serving as an educator for Browning Public Schools for 25 years, Book maintained the ranching operation he was born into. His great grandfather started the operation and his father proudly carried on the tradition.  Continue reading →

Kristine Bach, member of the FSA county committee in Sibley County, Minnesota, values community service helping other producers be sustainable and succeed in farming. Photo by Ellyn Oelfke.

By Ellyn Oelfke, Farm Service Agency 

It’s time once again for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s annual county committee elections. As FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux says, being a part of your local county committee is “your chance to ensure that other producers who share your interests, your production practices, and your perspective, are represented.” 

We want to introduce you to some committee members across the nation throughout the nomination period, which runs now through Aug. 1, 2024. This week, meet Kristine Bach of Sibley County, Minnesota.  Continue reading →