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, 2025. This week, meet Marcia Lyons of Alna, Maine.
Deeply Rooted
Farming and agriculture are in Marcia Lyon’s blood.
“My family’s history with farming and agriculture started when my grandparents came to America from Ireland. Our family has always had a love for animals and a desire to help and feed others,” said Marcia.
Marcia grew up subsistence farming in New Hampshire and showing her horse at the local N Bar H Riding Club, later attending Moorpark Park College for Equine Reproduction, Breeding and Training in California. This led to a very successful career, training and showing Arab horses and Half-Arabs on the National Circuit for Chesapeake Training Center in Virginia, as well as working with the Virginia Beach Police horses. While working for the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation in Annapolis, Maryland, she assisted with agricultural programs and setting up the local farmers market.
Eventually moving home to New England, Marica started SeaLyon Farm from scratch. Located in mid-coast Maine, SeaLyon Farm produces vegetables, berries, lavender and bees. The farm also has a year-round agri-tourism business with the local narrow-gauge railroad museum that borders the farm.
Helping Others
With about 50 years of experience in farming and agriculture, Marcia saw the FSA County Committee as an opportunity to help others.
“Being on the committee allows me to pass on my experience and knowledge to other farmers in my community. It also gives me a chance to meet people and continue learning from them, as well,” she said.
Marcia is starting her second year of her three-year term on the county committee and remains committed to improving farming and agriculture for the common good.
“My role on the committee is to assist with the decision-making process to ensure the success of farmers and farming in the state of Maine,” she said. “We support FSA in their charter to provide aid and a means of disaster recovery to farmers and our community.”
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 (LAA); the LAA up for election rotates annually.
Marica encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the programs and services FSA provides to agricultural producers to consider running for their local committee.
“Being elected to the local county committee is a rewarding experience,” she said. “Helping fellow farmers to recover from a disaster, building their business to the next level or diversifying the business for sustainability, is a good feeling.”
More Information
For more information on FSA county committee elections, contact your local FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov/elections.
Maria Granger is the FSA County Executive Director for Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln and Waldo counties in Maine.
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