Minnesota Farmers Union

From the United States Department of Agriculture:

WASHINGTON, October 20, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the individuals who will serve on the Minnesota Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Committee. The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency to include helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs and resolving appeals from the agriculture community.

“Rural America and our farming communities face a unique set of challenges, but these individuals have the experience and passion necessary to overcome those challenges and we are fortunate to have them on our team," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They will help continue the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America.”

The individuals who will serve on this committee include:

David Haugo of Mahnomen, Minn. Haugo was chairman of the Minnesota FSA State Committee from 1993 to 2000. He and his family produce wheat, barley, navy beans, sugar beets, corn, soybeans and alfalfa on a farm in northwest part of the state.

Kent Kanten of Milan, Minn. Kanten served as former Minnesota FSA committee member for eight years during the Clinton Administration. He and his wife own and operate a corn, soybean and sugar beat farm.

Richard Peterson of Mountain Lake, Minn. Peterson is a lifelong farmer from southwest part of the state. He has been active in many commodity organizations including the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council and state FFA Foundation.

Roger Vogt of Palisade, Minn. Vogt has been chairman of the Atkin County FSA Committee for seven years. He and his wife own and operate a potato farm in Atkin County, Minn.

Scott Winslow of Fountain, Minn. Winslow is currently in his eleventh year as chairman of the Fillmore County Farm Bureau. He and his wife operate a family farm in the southeast part of the state.

USDA’s Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.