Cass Co. tree farmer promotes involvement on county committees

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

Barbara Skelton, a Cass County timber producer, has been involved with the Farm Service Agency since 1941. Currently, she serves as the County Committee's chairperson. -- Staff photo by Kramer

August 26, 2004 - Barbara Skelton, a tree farmer in Cass County, has been involved with the Farm Service Agency since 1941. For the past five years, after being nominated by a neighbor and elected, she has served on the FSA County Committee. Skelton is currently the Committee's chairperson.

Skelton and her husband Bill own 580 acres near Linden. Pine trees are planted on 350 acres. The Skelton's have used many FSA-related programs to get the most out of their tree farm.

The agricultural producer wishes more people were active in FSA activities; and the opportunity to do so is available, she pointed out.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee nominations are being accepted until Sept. 3.

Farm owners, operators, and tenants can be nominated. Self-nominations are allowed. Eligible voters will elect a committee member for their area to serve a three year term. Each year approximately one-third of County Committee seats are up for election. The committees are made of at least three to five elected members. If a female and minority member are not elected, the Committee can appoint a representative.

Skelton believes in the efforts of the FSA. She said the County Committees help area farmers and ranchers understand current programs and legislation.

"We try to interpret government programs to the best advantage for farmers and ranchers," said Skelton.

She said that most people are not informed on current programs and that "by the time it gets down to the farmers, it's muck."

Skelton feels more people, especially women and minorities should be involved with the committees and election process.

"A lot of the farms in Cass County are owned by women who have inherited them," said Skelton. She believes that women and minorities can serve on the committee as a link to those like them in the community.

Skelton feels having women and minorities on the committee has made a difference in her county.

"This is a good mix of gender, interests, and fairness," she added.

Persons on the County Committee administer federal farm programs at the local level. Being a part of the COC provides producers with a voice in farm program implementation.

Skelton has been with the FSA through its various agency names, such as the ASCS (Agricultural Soil Conservation Service). During the second World War times, she taught women to type, sew mattresses, and learn other skills that would help them find decent employment.

At over 80-years-old, her name has become familiar to those in her area. Her dedication in serving her county has kept her busy for over half her life. The FSA is hoping that in this year's election, other women will serve their county on the Committee.

Members of FSA County Committees attend meetings, help reach-out to area farmers, and work to keep producers notified of the latest programs and resources that are available. Anyone can call and speak with the FSA employees and the County Committee members.

"The County Committee is a grass-roots approach to farmers and ranchers for a much needed say in how federal action affects their concerns and individual operations," said Skelton.

Nomination forms are available at local FSA offices, and online at http://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eforms/mainservlet. Anyone of legal voting age that qualifies for a FSA program can vote. To request a ballot, contact your local FSA office.