Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins this Monday, June 17. “I encourage all eligible farmers and ranchers to participate in this year’s county committee elections by nominating candidates by the Aug. 1 deadline,” said Vilsack. “County committees are a vital link between the farm community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provide an opportunity to farmers and ranchers for their opinions and ideas to be heard.