For Immediate Release

October 30, 2009

Contact:

Dan Steinkruger, State Executive Director, at (402) 437-5581 or dan.steinkruger@ne.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2009 - The Obama Administration today announced the individuals who will serve on the Nebraska Farm Service Agency State Committee. The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency to include carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs.

"Rural America and our farming communities face a unique set of challenges, but these individuals have the experience and passion necessary to overcome those challenge 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 appointed to serve on this committee include:

Susan Frazier will serve as the Chairperson of the Nebraska State Committee. She is an active farmer, growing corn and soybeans in Fillmore County. Frazier was a member of the Nebraska State Technical Committee during the Clinton Administration.

Christensen currently farms 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans with his wife in Burt County. He is a member of the Board of the Burt County Public Power District and was formerly an officer in the National Association of Farmer Elected Committees.

Norma Hall

Hall currently farms corn and soybeans with her husband in Cass County. She is also an active member in Women Involved in Farm Economics and a former officer of the organization.

Hoehn owns and operates a farm in Scottsbluff County, producing sugar beets, corn, alfalfa, dry beans, and wheat. He serves as Manager of the Stateline Dry Bean Cooperative and also raises cattle on his farm.

Ziebarth is President of Ziebarth Farms Inc. in Franklin County where he farms corn and soybeans with his father and sisters. He is currently the Chair of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and formerly served on the Nebraska Ethanol Board.

USDA's Farm Service Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts includefacilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservationprograms, providing operating loans forthe procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well asoffering ownership loans to helpnew and veteran producerspurchasea farm. FSAalso 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.