Be the Link: Family and Farming

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 Jason Gauthier of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.

A Family Affair

Jason grew up in a farming family. Working alongside his grandfather and uncle, he always knew he wanted to make a career out of farming. “I guess you could say farming is in my blood,” he said. In 1996, he followed in his family’s footsteps and made that dream a reality by running his own operation. 

As third and fourth generation farmers, Jason and his son, Garrett, farm 2,200 acres. Their main crops are corn and soybeans, but depending on the year, they also grow wheat and grain sorghum. 

It isn’t just Jason and Garrett, though. In the Gauthier household, farming is a family affair, as Jason’s wife, Jennifer, and their daughter, Heidi, also help with the operation. 

Jason is also very community oriented, serving as the Grand Marshal for the local Corn Festival, and in 2023, Jason was chosen as Corn Farmer of the Year.

Serving Farmers and Ranchers

Jason was nominated by a departing county committee member. Seven years later, he has served the farmers and ranchers of Avoyelles as a county committee member, vice-chairperson and currently the chairperson. 

Through his service on the county committee, Jason has a learned a lot. “I’ve learned it takes the FSA employees, as well as the committee, to ensure the office and programs are administered correctly and timely,” he said. “And being part of the committee affords you the opportunity to learn the fine print of programs.”

He also enjoys hearing from his fellow farmers about what’s going on around the parish and state. 

“County committees are important to ensure that local farmers and ranchers voices are heard, that they are treated fairly and that the county office is administering programs timely, fairly and according to regulations,” Jason said.  “So, in that sense, being a part of the committee is both very informative and rewarding.” 

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.

Jason encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the programs and services FSA provides to agricultural producers to consider running for their local committee.

“It is a very important and necessary position,” he said. “Being part of the committee affords you an opportunity to understand the programs more fully and contribute input during times of adverse weather conditions or disasters.”

More Information

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

Lisa B. Couvillion is the FSA county executive director for Avoyelles Parish in Louisiana.