For Immediate Release

January 14, 2010

Contact: Lenieka Portis

(Jackson, MS), Jan. 14, 2011 –Michael R. Sullivan, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Mississippi, announced the reappointment of the current five-member State Committee. The State Committee is responsible for the oversight of farm programs, county committee operations, appeals, and federal farm policy determinations. It also provides FSA program information to the general public and other Agency stakeholders.

“I am grateful that our state committee members were reappointed and can continue their involvement with Mississippi FSA,” said Sullivan. “Their contribution to the Agency has had a positive impact on our programs, producers and employees, and I am certain that we will have another successful year of delivering federal farm programs,” he said.

The individuals reappointed to serve on this committee are:

Mr. Kilcrease has 17 years of professional experience with the Farm Service Agency as an Agricultural Management Specialist and a Senior Agriculture Loan Specialist. A graduate of Alcorn State University, Kilcrease is currently working on his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Jackson State University.

Mr. Myrick is active in cattle farming, maintaining approximately 150 steer each year on rye grass and clover. He retired as the Assistant General Manager with Southern Pine Electric Association.

Mr. Oswalt has been a full time farmer for 50 years. He farms approximately 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans with his son. He is an active member on a variety of local and national boards/committees.

Mr. Owens is currently the owner of S. Levon Owens Cattle and Land Developer, LLC. He has more than 28 years experience in the farm and cattle business. He is also co-owner of Chapman & Owens Investment, LLC.

Mr. Withers has more than 30 years of farming experience. Currently, he is a procurer of Outside Fish, Pride of the Pond. He was a founder of Withers Catfish Co. and is a past President of Catfish Farmers of Mississippi and Catfish Farmers of America.

“In Mississippi, the State Committee has a tremendous responsibility to be accountable for the use of taxpayer dollars as our Agency allocated more than $308 million in federal farm program benefits to producers statewide in fiscal year 2010,” said Sullivan. “These appointed individuals have proven they can be both fair and effective in their service to Mississippi farmers and ranchers,” he said.

Through the efficient and equitable administration of price support, conservation, disaster assistance and farm credit programs, FSA promotes and protects agricultural practices to ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food supply for all consumers.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).