For Immediate Release

January 29, 2010

Contacts:

Adam Lipton (717) 237-2121

Email: adam.lipton@pa.usda.gov

(WASHINGTON) January 29, 2010 - The Obama Administration today announced the individuals who will serve on the Pennsylvania Farm Service Agency State Committee. The State Committee members will oversee the activities of the agency, including carrying out the state agricultural conservation programs, resolving appeals from the agriculture community and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs.

"These individuals will work with USDA to help farmers and ranchers build and maintain successful operations that produce the safe, nutritious food supply that America needs while spurring economic development in our nation's rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "They bring the experience and passion necessary to help continue the Obama Administration's efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America."

The individuals appointed to serve on this committee include:

Vanco, from Bear Lake, Pennsylvania, has owned and operated the family farm with her husband for over four decades. She has served as Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission and Co-op Director of the Farmers Union Milk Producers Association. She also held the Directorship of the Warren County Farm Bureau. Vanco has a B.S degree in Food Science from Pennsylvania State University.

Kehl, from Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, owns and operates a 750 acre hay and livestock farm in Northern Berks County. He previously served on Pennsylvania's FSA Committee during the Clinton Administration. Recently, Kehl served as President of the Pennsylvania State Association of Conservation Districts and as a member of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Land Preservation Board. In 1990, Kehl was named the Berks County Outstanding Conservation Farmer.

Lewis and her husband live on their third generation family farm of 283 acres. Lewis has been a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau since 1976. She served 12 years as a Bradford County Commissioner and was the commissioner member on the Bradford County Conservation District Board of Directors. She also served on the Pennsylvania FSA Committee during the Clinton Administration.

Mikesell, from Port Royal, Pennsylvania, currently serves as a senior instructor at Pennsylvania State University. Mikesell has also authored a number of educational books, including Animal Science Biology and Technology. Since 1992, he has been managing a small purebred beef cattle herd on his home farm. Dr. Mikesell has a PhD in Animal Science from Pennsylvania State University.

USDA's Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency's efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also 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.