Be the Link: Farmer, Leader and Advocate for Producers

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 Jeb Malone of Murray County, Minnesota.

Local Concerns, Local Decisions

As chairperson of the FSA Murray County Committee, Jeb Malone brings a rare combination of hands-on farming experience, deep local roots and seasoned public service. A lifelong farmer, Jeb is passionate about making sure local producers have a voice in how federal programs are implemented in their own backyard.

“I farm corn, soybeans and alfalfa with my dad and uncle,” Jeb said. “I grew up on the farm and have worked on it my whole life. I started farming full time in 2018, but I’ve always been active in the operation — and I really enjoy farming, especially seeing the progress of the crops through the season and bringing them to harvest.”

In addition to farming, Jeb has experience in local government, having served four terms as mayor of Currie. “I learned a lot about local government and meeting structures during that time, especially while working on a large infrastructure project funded by USDA Rural Development,” he said. That background has prepared him well for leadership on the Murray County Committee, where understanding rules, funding and regulations is key.

Jeb is currently serving his first term on the FSA committee in Murray County, having been elected in 2024. His involvement with the county committee was sparked by a conversation with former County Executive Director David Schreiber. “He reminded me that my dad had served on this same committee many years ago, and he thought it would be fitting if I also served and helped hire his replacement after his retirement,” Jeb said.

At the heart of his work on the committee is a commitment to making sure local voices matter. “I feel the county committee is important because it gives local producers a voice in the implementation of FSA programs,” Jeb said. “We review applications and make decisions based on FSA guidelines, but we also bring a local perspective — we understand local weather and economic conditions, and we can give feedback on programs with that context in mind.”

Stepping Up, Getting Involved

Jeb understands the importance of county committees. “Most producers take the county committee for granted, but it’s an important part of how these programs work,” he said. “Having farmers at the table means decisions are shaped by people who really know what’s happening on the ground. Plus, the knowledge you gain about farm programs is invaluable — it’s helped me tremendously in my own operation, and it can help others, too.”

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.

Jeb encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the programs and services FSA provides to agricultural producers to step up and run for their local committee.

“If you care about how farm programs impact your operation and your neighbors, consider running for the county committee,” he said. “It’s a chance to represent your community, share your perspective, and help ensure these programs serve us well. We need good people to keep this work going.”

More Information

For more information on FSA county committee elections, contact your local FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Lynn Pfarr is the FSA county executive director for Murray County, Minnesota.