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.
Linda and Bob’s oldest son, Karl, works full-time in information technology and returns to the farm to help during hay season.
“I can’t think of any better place to have raised our sons,” said Linda. “The work ethic and value of hard-earned wages have been a huge impact on them as adults today.”
Their youngest son, Bryan, lives and works on the farm full-time with his wife and son.
“We are so fortunate to have a fourth generation working the farm and maybe a fifth generation in the future,” she said.
Linda and her husband Bob, a former FSA county committee member, operate a dairy as well as raising eggs, hay, and a variety of crops. Photo by Francine Kealey.
Building a Network
Bob served on his local FSA county committee and encouraged Linda to also become involved so she too could learn more about FSA programs and meet other producers. She enjoys learning about other producers’ products, how they manage their businesses and which programs benefit them the most.
County committee members are elected by their peers to serve as a direct link between the agricultural community and USDA. Producers on the committee help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level, and work to make federal farm programs serve the needs of local producers.
Each year, FSA accepts nominations for a certain Local Administrative Area and the LAA up for election rotates each year.
Linda encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the programs and services FSA provides to agricultural producers to consider running for their local committee.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet others who have a shared interest,” she said. “You get to see and learn first-hand the programs that exist and any new or updated programs as they come out. You also learn about the producers’ concerns as well as positive outcomes that are being addressed through the committee meetings.”
More Information
For more information on FSA county committee elections, contact your local FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov/elections.
Francine Kealey is an FSA County Executive Director in Massachusetts. For more information about this story, reach out to Bailey Albert, state communications coordinator for FSA in Massachusetts.
